What should you know about a TENS unit for birth?

Labour TENS uses pads on the back to deliver a tingling sensation that the birthing person can adjust. Some people use it during early labour or while moving between home and a maternity setting. It is a comfort tool, not a way to monitor the baby, measure contractions, or treat a complication. Its usefulness differs from person to person, and it may be less practical once stronger pain relief or continuous monitoring is needed.

The maternity team should know when labour begins and should advise whether the unit is suitable for your circumstances.

Learn the controls and pad placement before labour, and keep the device accessible rather than putting it on once contractions are intense. Follow the instructions from your maternity service. Keep pads off the abdomen, front of the neck, broken skin, and areas with reduced sensation. Remove the unit before entering water and before any procedure where staff ask you to do so. Tell the team about an implanted electronic device, epilepsy, skin sensitivity, or any pregnancy concern.

Contact your maternity service for urgent advice about heavy bleeding, severe or constant abdominal pain, reduced fetal movement, waters breaking with concerning colour, fainting, fever, or symptoms that feel unsafe. Do not use TENS to delay assessment. Stop it if it causes burning, a rash, dizziness, or distress, and tell the team what happened.

Ask when your maternity service recommends starting TENS, where the pads should sit, whether it can be used with monitoring or other pain relief, and how to protect the unit around water birth plans. Check who to call if labour symptoms change.