What is a TENS unit?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation.

Basically, it’s a little device that sends mild electrical impulses through pads placed on your lower back. You control it yourself during labour by pressing a button when a contraction starts.

Most people describe the sensation as a gentle “pins and needles” feeling.

Is it safe for my baby?

Yes! TENS is a drug-free method of pain relief and is considered safe for both you and your baby.

It also doesn’t interfere with fetal monitoring.

That said, there are a few cases when TENS shouldn’t be used (I’ll share those below).

What does the research say?

TENS has been around since the 1960s and is especially common in places like the UK, Australia, and parts of Canada, where you can even rent or borrow a unit to use at home in early labour.

A few key findings:

• People using TENS often need less pain medication during labour (Carroll et al., 1997).
  
  

• In a large survey, most birthing people rated it as moderately or very helpful and said they’d use it again (Chamberlain et al., 1993).
  
  

• Studies found that TENS is especially effective for back pain in labour (Bundsen et al., 1981; Thomas et al., 1988).
  
  

So while it’s not a magic fix, it does help many people manage pain.

Why does TENS work?

TENS works because of the gate control theory of pain.

Here’s the quick version: your brain can only process so many signals at once. Pleasant or neutral sensations travel faster to the brain than pain does, which “closes the gate” and reduces the pain you feel.

Examples in labour: warm water, massage, ice, squeezing a birth comb… and of course, TENS!

Benefits of using a TENS unit

• May help delay or avoid an epidural (or other pain meds).
  
  

• Safe for your baby.
  
  

• Can be combined with other comfort measures.
  
  

• Gives you something you can control during contractions.
  
  

Example: One of my clients used TENS while sitting on a birth ball. Her husband massaged her shoulders, she pressed the button for contractions, and she kept moving. Multiple comfort measures layered together. That’s gate control theory in action!

Who should NOT use TENS in labour?

Skip TENS if you:

• Are not yet full term (before 37 weeks).
  
  

• Have inflamed or injured skin where the pads would go.
  
  

• Have a seizure disorder or a demand-type cardiac pacemaker.
  
  

• Plan to use it in the bath or shower (not safe in water).

  
  

• Already have an epidural in place.

  Are there any downsides?

  • Cost: Buying one can be $200–300 CAD + replacement pads and shipping (though sometimes you can rent).
    
    

  • Effectiveness: Some people find it super helpful; others don’t notice much.
    
    

  • Timing: It works best if you start using it in early labour.

    
    

  • Limitations: Not as strong as an epidural, and not water-friendly.

    My clients + TENS

    I am trained in using TENS for labour, and I include a unit for my clients to use as part of my doula packages. That means you don’t need to worry about buying or renting one. It’s already available for you, along with my guidance on how and when to get the most benefit from it.

    
    

    Overall: TENS is a safe, empowering option to try in labour. For many, it provides just enough relief and sense of control to make a big difference.
    

    Want more practical and holistic tools for labour? Explore The Confident Birth Method.