How to use a TENS units & EMS machines during labor? Placement of electrode pads (UK)

It is common knowledge that labor can be a very painful process for women, since, during this process, the contraction of the muscles and the pressure on the cervix generate a sensation of pain that can be described as an intense cramping that affects the abdomen, groin and lower back.

Because of this, methods have been developed to prevent women in labor from going through such high levels of pain. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) electrotherapy are used to counteract labor pain, thanks to their history of effectiveness in treating various types of ailments. Below, we will teach you all the points to take into consideration when using a TENS or EMS electro stimulator, and how to apply them to minimize labor pain.

How to use a TENS device to relieve pain during labor?

By correctly applying electrotherapy treatment during the pregnancy process, it is possible to see a certain amount of benefits for both the mother and the baby, although it is necessary to take into consideration criteria such as the intensity necessary for the application of the electric current to be effective.

Benefits

The advantages of the application of TENS to the mother during labor stem from its overall effectiveness in relieving pain and its non-chemical and non-invasive nature, providing control over the pain caused by the process.

Among the main benefits of the use of TENS during labor, we can highlight the following:

• Does not require ingestion or injection of drugs or other chemicals
• It is possible to control the intensity of the shock to suit the sensation at the moment
• Does not limit mobility in any way
• It can be combined with other methods if TENS does not provide sufficient relief
• Completely harmless for both mother and baby
• Can be applied from the first contractions

How often to use?

The non-pharmacological nature of TENS therapy makes it one of the safest options for pain relief during labor, although it is necessary to take into consideration the use of a medium - high intensity, and a wide frequency between shocks for greater effectiveness.

With this said, the optimal range of intensity for TENS application is between 80 Hz and 100 Hz. This intensity is modifiable as the labor process progresses, maintaining a constant pulse frequency of 350 microseconds.

Best TENS machines to relieve labor pains

Childbirth is a very delicate process that inflicts a great deal of stress on the female body, so it is necessary to select the right devices, which have the right settings for the safe and effective application of TENS therapy. Among these devices, we can highlight the following:

The muscle stimulator sends an electric current through wires to electrodes on the skin and helps relieve body pain; improves sports injuries, arthritis and sciatica; stimulates muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves fatigue, improves immunity and sleep quality. 10 intensity levels allow precise adjustment of pulse amplitude and frequency, allowing optimal and sensitive control for pain relief; a pre-programmed timer can set a preset duration from 5 to 90 minutes.

The therapeutic device can be used by two users at the same time or by one user to relieve two locations. Treatment intensity is guaranteed at all times. It has 5 treatment modes (massage, acupuncture, tapping, scraping and cupping) to choose from to relieve headache, leg pain, shoulder pain, joint pain, stomach pain, hip pain and leg pain. Automatic treatment interruption, alarm if the electrode falls off.

ROOTOK is a two-channel TENS unit, perfect for relieving and massaging all types of chronic pain: ideal for back pain, sciatica, knees and any other joint pain. The 16 pre-programmed massage modes and 20 intensity levels allow you to precisely adjust the amplitude and frequency of the impulses.

The backlit LCD digital display makes the screen clear and easy to read. Supplied with 8 high quality TENS electrode pads. Recharges via computer (USB cable included). Comes with detailed instructions and a TENS user manual containing guidelines for applying the electrodes to the TENS unit. Lightweight and robust.

The AccuRelief pain treatment system is based on the new technology of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to relieve any type of muscle and nerve ailments, through the application of electrical impulses that stimulate the production of endorphins in the nervous system.

It works by means of a remote control system that allows you to increase or reduce the intensity and frequency of the electrical impulses quickly, so that it adapts to the ailments of the treated area. The box includes the remote control to modify the configuration of the device, and 2 adaptable electrodes to place anywhere on the body, together with 6 AAA batteries necessary to operate.

This is one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices you will find. The electrostimulation machine is fully rechargeable and has a dual channel function that allows you to apply electrostimulation to various areas of the body. It contains 30 preset massage programs through which you can relieve different types of ailments as well as strengthen muscles.

This electrostimulation unit is completely digital for an effective and reliable treatment. It has an LCD display and a user-friendly system that allows you to set the functions in seconds. In addition, the purchase includes 16 reusable electrodes of high quality and for all budgets.

PainGone offers its PainGone Easy, an incredibly effective wireless TENS device that will allow you to treat pain in the back, arms, legs, shoulders and other parts of the body. Its portability makes it one of the most convenient stimulation devices on the market, so you can have pain relief treatment without any medication.

It has a multi-setting function, offering 3 modes of use with 12 intensity levels to suit your condition, and its adaptable electrodes allow PainGone Easy to reach virtually any area of the body. Additionally, its long-lasting lithium battery will give you enough power for at least 80 sessions before you need to get a replacement, which you can easily access on the brand's website.

The physiotherapy brand Beurer offers its users one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices that can be found on the market. It is the Beurer EM59, which contains an incredible 4-in-1 function that allows you to apply therapeutic massage, muscle stimulation, nerve stimulation and heat therapy, providing a completely different level of relief to its users with its more than 70 programs and 50 intensity levels.

This powerful electrostimulation equipment offers immediate relief for almost any type of ailment using stimulation methods that stimulate the production of natural pain relieving agents within the body. It also works as an effective methods to accelerate muscle growth and regeneration, while combining with heat therapy to provide one of the most complete treatments you will find.

Omron has a wide range of electrostimulation devices in stock, including Omron HeatTens, which combines the therapeutic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with the effective method of heat therapy, resulting in one of the most complete relaxation and pain relief effects available on the market.

Its operation is really simplified, having 6 preset programs that focus on treating different areas of the body, which you can customize by modifying the 3 TENS massage modes, in combination with the 3 heat therapy modes. It is the best choice for joint and muscle ailments and you will get 1 Omrom HeatTens, 2 Omron gel pads, 1 power adapter and an instruction manual.

The Hollywog WiTouch Pro is a muscle stimulator that helps relieve pain caused by injuries naturally and without the use of drugs with potential side effects. Its TENS electrostimulation technology stimulates the production of endorphins and provides a pleasant feeling of relief for all types of ailments caused by injury or illness.

With a size of 19 cm wide and 9 cm high, the WiTouch has the widest area of action on the market, with a current output strength of 0 - 110 mA for maximum effectiveness. It has a 2-button function that allows you to quickly change the device settings, and includes 3 reusable gel pads in the package you receive.

From EOSVAP comes this wonderful wireless electrostimulation device, effective for back pain, sciatica, arthritis and muscular ailments although its range of function is so wide that it can be used almost anywhere on the body portability and rechargeable battery make it an excellent investment when it comes to pain relief.

It has 7 intensity levels and 5 massage modes for instant pain relief in a natural and completely drug-free way. Its rechargeable lithium battery provides 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge, and can be charged via its USB connectors. Undoubtedly a complete revolution in the massage experience that you can keep in your pocket and take anywhere thanks to its small size.

Omega has available this fantastic and compact electro stimulator, called Omega Wireless Remote for its wireless function. Each of the electrodes is operated by means of a remote control, through which you can adjust and switch between the 6 available massage modes, making it one of the most practical and easy to use models on the market.

Its low intensity electric impulses offer a complete recovery of muscular and nervous pains, and its reusable electrodes have a superior quality adhesive gel, long lasting and easy to apply, so that each session can be carried out in a very simple way.

Video: How to place electrodes pads during childbirth?

Electrodes for childbirth

In such a delicate process as labor, it is necessary to verify the positioning of the electrodes to be sure that they will act as expected, exerting their effect on the correct nerve branches.

First contractions

The ideal time to apply TENS units is at the beginning of the labor process, at the onset of the first contractions, since this is the stage in which its effect has proven to be most effective in most cases.

The positioning of the electrodes should be aligned with the areas where the nerves of the uterus and uterine canal join the spinal cord. While these are positions that may vary depending on the individual patient's sensation, the generally most effective locations are as follows:

• On both sides of the T10 vertebra at the level of the
• At the level of the S3 vertebra, on each side of the spinal column

With epidural

The application of electrical currents from TENS units allows an extra boost to be added to the effect of the epidural by increasing the patient's sense of relief, although in general the margin for improvement is not too great, since the epidural alone provides fairly complete relief.

The positioning of the electrodes with or without the use of the epidural remains constant, since the regions next to the spinal cord, at the level of the T10 and S3 vertebrae house the nerves that receive the greatest pressure during the delivery process.

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Can electrotherapy be used during labor and delivery?

There is very little research regarding the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for labor pain, however, there have been randomized trials in patients that suggest its use is favorable.

Studies conducted in 2011, 2013 and 2016 have shown that the use of TENS electrotherapy during labor can cause a considerable reduction in pain sensation, to the point where it can replace or at the very least postpone the use of analgesic medications such as epidurals.

Differences between TENS and EMS: Which is better for pain relief during labor?

While electrotherapy has proven to be effective in the treatment of ailments of various origins, it is necessary to be especially careful when dealing with a process as delicate as labor, so it is necessary to be fully aware of the effects of both TENS and EMS therapy.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy is a physiotherapeutic method aimed at treating ailments caused by disorders and traumas of varying severity.

During childbirth, it works through the application of electric shocks of variable intensity (1 Hz - 250 Hz) that directly affect the sensory endings of the sciatic nerve and the L5 nerve root, caused by the contraction of the transverse, oblique and rectus abdominis muscles and the deep musculature of the pelvic floor, mitigating the sensation of pain during the process of childbirth.

Electro Muscular Stimulation (EMS) works mainly as a physical conditioning method, focusing its functions on the stimulation of muscle groups by means of medium to high intensity electrical discharges designed to improve the strength, resistance and elasticity of muscle tissue by means of contractions that vary in frequency and intensity.

To date, there is very little evidence to support the use of EMS therapy to counteract the pain caused by labor, so the safest and most proven effective option is TENS therapy, thanks to its direct interaction with the nerves responsible for the sensation of pain in the abdominal, lumbar and pelvic area, and its ability to promote the release of endorphins, providing a natural reduction in the sensation of pain.

Can TENS be used with epidural?

Epidurals are the most widely used technique to minimize the pain of childbirth, and in most cases do not adversely affect the mother or the fetus. For this reason, applying Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in conjunction with the epidural can help with pain relief during labor.

In addition, TENS therapy is presented as a solid alternative to reduce the mother's discomfort during labor when an epidural is not a viable option. For example, when the mother suffers from conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, certain heart conditions, epilepsy or simply the patient's desire not to apply the technique.

Can TENS current affect the baby?

The use of any type of electrotherapy is widely contraindicated during the first 12 weeks of gestation, due to the fact that during this stage the fetus is highly sensitive to any alteration and may suffer damages derived from the electric current. However, once this period has passed, the use of TENS therapy is completely safe.

The use of TENS during childbirth is recommended because it can contribute to reduce the sensation of pain in the mother without the use of chemicals, so it is possible to avoid future breastfeeding problems, in addition to not presenting any side effects for the mother or the baby.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes and electrotherapy