Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units are a fantastic, non-drug option for pain relief during labor. TENS units have been wildly popular in the UK, Australia and other European countries and have helped countless people achieve an unmedicated birth.

 

They work by sending mild electrical pulses from where you apply the electrodes (pads), through your skin, to your brain. These electrical pulses act to distract your brain from the discomfort of your labor by giving your body something else to sense. For more information on how TENS units work, check out this post from Evidence Based Birth.

​If you are interested in using a TENS unit for labor, you must inform your care provider and discuss any conditions you have that would be affected by its use. 

 

You may not use a TENS unit if you have a cardiac pacemaker, have been diagnosed with heart disease or epilepsy, or if you have injured/inflamed skin, a rash or an eczema/psoriasis flare up where the electrodes would be applied.

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Due to the nature of this device, electrodes must be removed and the unit must be turned off prior to getting in or around water. Lastly, you must be 37 weeks or greater to use TENS unit unless your provider states otherwise.

The Details:

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Your rental will be available starting at 38 weeks and will include: 1 Elle TENS unit, 1 unopened package containing 4 electrodes, 3 lead wires (1 spare), 2 AA batteries inside the unit and 2 spare AA batteries, 1 neck cord, 1 instruction manual, 1 quick-start guide, A Woman’s Guide to Drug-Free Pain Relief (booklet), and 1 carrying pouch.

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$60, plus $50 deposit which will be refunded upon the successful return of the unit.