TENS

This stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.  For many women but not all it reduces the pain. The benefit of tens is that there are no known side-effects for either mother or baby, and you can move around while using it. However it is not available in all hospitals, and midwife units so check if it is available to you.

You are given an obsteric pulsar. This is a small battey powered simulator that connects to electrodes that are taped onto your back. To ease your pain you take the pulsar and can give yourself small, safe amounts of current.

TENS is thought to work by stimulating the body to increase production of endorphines: natural painkillers. TENS also decreases the number of pain signals that are sent to the brain by the spinal cord.

Your midwife, will have more information on TENS and if it is available to you. If you are interested, then ask your midwife.

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