What should you know about maternity tens unit?

TENS uses a battery-powered device to send gentle pulses through electrodes on the skin. During pregnancy or labour, pads are commonly positioned on the back rather than the abdomen, with advice tailored to the person and stage of care. It is a comfort measure, not a way to assess labour, monitor the baby, or treat a pregnancy complication. [TENS Unit](/technology/tens-unit/) describes the technology in more detail.

Discuss use with your maternity team before labour, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy, reduced sensation, skin disease, or an implanted electrical device. Use intact skin, check the pads for irritation, and begin with a comfortable setting. Keep the device accessible so it can be turned down or removed quickly. Do not place electrodes over the abdomen, across the front of the neck, or on the head. Remove the unit before entering water and follow hospital instructions during monitoring or procedures.

Contact your maternity service for regular contractions, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, reduced fetal movement, severe headache, visual changes, or sudden severe pain. A TENS unit must not delay assessment. Stop it for burning, a skin reaction, dizziness, palpitations, or symptoms that feel different from expected labour discomfort.

When may I start using TENS, and where should the pads go? Is it suitable for my pregnancy and any medicines or implanted devices? Can I use it alongside breathing, movement, or other pain-relief options? When should I remove it and call the maternity unit?