TENS in Labour
TENS has proven itself to be a safe method to provide pain relief during
labour, afterbirth pains and uterine contractions during breast feeding.
Masters Medical provides two different models of TENS machines specially
designed for use during labour. Each has its own advantages, so you may
rely on the recommendation of your physiotherapist or mid-wife. All machines
have specially designed hand controls to allow easy control of stimulation
during labour contractions. Our most popular model, illustrated below,
has a plunger type control - the harder you press, the stronger the stimulation
felt. These machines are available for sale to hospitals or hire to prospective
mums.
The electrodes can be placed in a number of ways. The most usual, is
illustrated in the middle diagram below:
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| Biostim Obstetric TENS Machine, with plunger hand
control. |
Commonly, 2" x 4" electrodes placed over mid and lower
back |
Can also be used to control afterbirth pain. |
It is usually best if you use larger TENS electrodes ( they cover more
spinal segments and you will get better stimulation ). The top pair of
electrodes are placed either side of the spine at the level of the tenth
thoracic and first lumbar spinal segments. This provides pain relief in
the earlier stages of labour. The bottom pair of electrodes are placed
over the fifth lumbar to fourth sacral spinal segments ( the picture actually
shows a slightly higher placement). This provides pain relief mainly in
the later part of second stage. This placement is also helpful for afterbirth
pain and during breast feeding. During breast feeding, the hormone oxytocin
is released to allow the breasts to express milk. This is the same hormone
that causes labour and when produced during breast feeding will also cause
the womb to contract.
Some women prefer or get better pain relief placing the electrodes suprapubically
( anteriorally and above the pubis). The only problem with the suprapubic
placement is that it makes it more difficult for midwives to palpate the
abdomen and can interfere with foetal monitoring.
Your physiotherapist or mid-wife should show you how to use the TENS
machine. This is usually done in antenatal classes.
SALE:
Dual Channel Obstetric TENS is available for sale to health professionals for $300. Unit is dual channel, maximum output 80 ma.
Obstetric TENS Machine. Dual Channel. 2 Pairs of Pre-gelled Adhesive Electrodes, 2 Pairs of Silicone Rubber Electrodes, 1 Tube of conductive gel (60g), Lead Wires, Boost Control, Sturdy Carry-case, Instruction manual.
HIRE:
The TENS machine we most commonly use in labour is the Biostim Obstetric
TENS Machine. This unit is shown above. This custom built unit features
a single channel stimulator, one plunger hand set, one four lead wire set,
four 2"x4" delivery electrodes(Reply code 658), one 9 volt battery, one
instruction manual. This TENS can be hired for $40 for two weeks or $60
for four weeks. Please allow for courier charges. To arrange a hire, please
ring our offices. Note, that this hire service is only available in Australia
References:
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) as a Pain Relief
Method During Delivery. An Overlooked Modality. B. Kaplin et al. Awaiting
Publication 1997
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Labour: Practicality
and Effectiveness in a Public Hospital. G. Bertoluzzi. The Australian Journal
of Physiotherapy. Vol 35, No 2 1989.
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