TENS electrostimulation during labor - electrostimulation as a method of relieving labor pain and perinatal pain

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is one method of pain relief during labor. TENS began to be used in obstetrics in Scandinavian countries in the early 1970s. Today, this technique is widely used almost worldwide and is gaining increasing popularity among expectant mothers. For example, in the UK, approximately 400,000 women use this form of pain relief during labor annually.

When properly applied, an electrostimulator can support natural labor pain relief mechanisms, contributing to a greater sense of control over the labor process. Electrostimulation can be used during various stages of labor, and its effectiveness may depend on the woman's individual needs and response. The laboring woman independently controls the labor pain relief process and selects the desired pulse strength depending on the frequency and duration of contractions. This is appreciated by expectant mothers.

Electrostimulation can also be used during the postpartum period, when women may experience various perinatal pains.

What is TENS?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a method that uses low-voltage electrical impulses. TENS works by stimulating nerves located just beneath the skin using electrodes placed on the affected area.

TENS is used in medicine, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy, as well as in the treatment of chronic pain conditions such as back pain, joint pain, and migraines.

How does TENS work during labor?

The mechanism of TENS is based on the "pain gate" theory, which suggests that electrical impulses can block pain signals reaching the brain, leaving the body unaware of its location and intensity.

At low frequencies and with a slightly stronger impulse, TENS stimulates motor nerves, which then lead to small, repetitive muscle contractions. The brain interprets this as exercise, promoting the release of beta-endorphins—a natural painkiller—which brings relief to the laboring woman. The feeling of relief peaks in about 40 minutes, and the effects can last for hours. The release of beta-endorphins is therefore a secondary pain-relieving mechanism in transcutaneous electrical stimulation.

How is a TENS device used for labor pain?

TENS uses a TENS device, which generates an electrical pulse designed to relieve pain. TENS electrodes are placed on the skin in strategic locations, allowing for effective electrical stimulation of muscles and tissues.

The device comes with four self-adhesive electrodes that are attached to the lumbar region. Low-intensity impulses flow through the attached electrodes, stimulating the nerves to protect themselves against pain. The sensations can be compared to tingling or tickling.

The best results are achieved by using a TENS device for labor pain relief when connected at the beginning of the first regular contractions. This allows for gradual adjustment of the intensity of the electrostimulation to the increasing pain.

After applying the electrodes and connecting the device, the laboring woman can freely change positions, move around, and perform any necessary movements, such as on a ball.

It's important to remember that this is a pain reduction technique during labor. The device doesn't completely eliminate pain, but it does reduce its intensity and make it more bearable for the expectant mother.

Electrostimulation devices for labor pain relief can be used during labor in hospital settings and during home births.

TENS can be used with other pain relief methods: in combination with gas and air or pethidine.

Electrostimulation during labor can reduce labor stress

By using TENS, the laboring woman may experience less pain, making the labor process less stressful. Reduced anxiety in laboring mothers may also result from an increased sense of control over pain. This leads to a slower release of catecholamines.

Non-Pharmacological Option for Labor Pain Relief

During labor, the use of a labor stimulator may be particularly beneficial for women who prefer non-pharmacological methods of labor pain relief. TENS stimulates the body's natural, physiological pain-relieving mechanisms (endorphins and pain gating), and its primary advantage is the lack of side effects.

TENS for Labor - Opinions of Women in Labor

The majority of women in the experimental groups expressed a willingness to use this method in the future.

• In one study (Steptoe, Bo, 1984), as many as 91.7% of women who gave birth using TENS declared a willingness to use this form of pain relief again in a subsequent labor, compared to 38.5% of women who did not give birth using TENS.
• In another study (Harrison, 1986), nearly 70% of women who gave birth using TENS expressed this willingness, compared to 40.5% of those who did not use TENS during labor.
• In the study (Van der Spank et al., 2000), only the group of women who gave birth using electrical stimulation as a form of pain relief were asked for their opinion. The results showed that 87.5% of women would choose it again.

Do TENS machines work on babies?

Many women, upon hearing the term "electrical impulses," begin to worry that the device may be dangerous to the baby. In fact, electrical stimulation is completely safe for both mother and baby. These impulses act on sensory nerves located on the skin's surface and have no effect on the baby. Compared to pharmacological methods of anesthesia, TENS avoids potential complications and the effects of pharmacological painkillers on both you and your baby.

What are the contraindications to TENS during labor?

A TENS machine is generally a safe method, but before implementing this form of pain relief, it's worth consulting with a doctor or midwife to ensure it is appropriate for your specific situation.

Contraindications to TENS include:

• pregnancy before the 37th week of pregnancy,
• pacemaker or other implanted electrical device,
• heart disease, undiagnosed pain, metal implants, or if you have any doubts - consult your doctor,
• do not use if you have an allergic reaction to the electrodes,
• do not use on the abdomen of pregnant women.

Which labor stimulator should you choose?

Choosing the right labor stimulator is an important decision that can affect the comfort and course of labor. Before making a decision, it's worth considering several key aspects:

1. Medical device - it's worth choosing a device that is a registered medical device, such as the Elle Tens electrostimulator.
2. Functionality - check the features a given model offers. Some electrostimulators have different programs and stimulation intensities, allowing for better adaptation to individual needs and the course of labor.
3. Contraction counter - this feature allows you to assess your progress during labor, as the counter measures the duration of contractions and the time between contractions.
4. Ease of use - Make surethe device is easy to use, especially in stressful situations like childbirth. It's good if the electrostimulator has an intuitive interface.
5. Can also be used for other types of pain - you can use it after childbirth to treat things like back pain.