Instruction on Using TENS during Labor

Instruction on Using TENS during Labor at the Pelvismed Urogynecological Physiotherapy Clinic

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), is a safe and non-pharmacological method for pain relief during labor and pregnancy. In many Polish hospitals, you can already experience relief from labor pain through this modern method. TENS has been used in Western European countries for over 30 years, and numerous medical publications confirm its effectiveness and safety for both the mother and the baby.

During the use of TENS, four self-adhesive electrodes are placed on the back, about 2 cm away from the spine, on both sides. The expectant mother regulates the current frequency herself, adjusting it to her own needs. That’s why it’s crucial for the patient to become familiar with operating the device and the effects of the current before labor. TENS current induces a pleasant tingling sensation, although some women may perceive it differently. Therefore, it’s important to determine your attitude toward the current before the onset of labor to avoid stress during the birthing process.

Applying the current at the right moment during labor, which is in the first stage of labor, is crucial. It’s not worth waiting until the pain becomes unbearable. Patient experiences and studies show that a woman needs time to adjust to the current’s effects. Furthermore, a woman’s skin becomes highly sensitive during advanced labor, and attaching the electrodes can be uncomfortable and irritating.

TENS current won’t completely eliminate pain, but it significantly alleviates it. Most women who had the opportunity to use this method during their first childbirth are eager to use it again in subsequent pregnancies. However, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the contraindications to using TENS, which will be discussed with the patient by the urogynecological physiotherapist at Pelvsimed clinic.