Is it safe to use a labour TENS at 33 weeks?

[2016]

I have had bad SPD since 16 weeks and now sciatica/bluging disc to the point I can't walk most of the time. A friend has given me her labour TENS machine because it's supposed to be good for back pain but the instructions say
"Do not use before 37 weeks unless under medical supervision"

I asked my MW and she said to ask the physio but I only see them next Thursday and there is no answer on their line now. I am in so much pain and really want to use it but am worried it might bring on contractions etc.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

 

[sez]

I have no advice but great question... I have been wondering if TENs are safe for use in pregnancy...

 

[pichi]

mine says not to use before 37 weeks x

i don't think it will bring on contractions to be fair i am tempted to get mine on the go but don't want to use it and get used to it before i start getting the big big contractions - otherwise it'll be useless

sez- labour TENs are fine after 37 weeks. they're slightly different to regular TENs machines though. ones specific for labour have 4 pads as opposed to 2 and they also have a BOOST feature

 

[Autumnbabe]

No i think this is strongly advised against, we were told in our antenatal not to use before 37 weeks, reason being as can bring on contractions i think. Sorry!

 

[Cookie1979]

If it says not to then I wouldn't. I know with my one you could get smaller pads to use before labour and then larger ones for labour, but I think its supposed to be in the latter stages of pregnancy. I would speak to someone first before you use it, just to be on the safe side.

 

[2016]

I know you are right girls but boooooooooooo!

I am in so much pain I actually LOOK FORWARD to labour because at least that's pain with a purpose!

 

[EmzyJA]

i personally wouldnt. have you tried those wheat bags? you warm them up and they're supposed to be quite good. i'm going to get one coz my back is in agony and i need something to relieve the pain. x

 

[pichi]

ah yeah, those are good. if you don't have one of those try a hot water bottle

 

[emilyp83]

I've been using a labour tens for the last 2 weeks. Started using it in the hospital when I was in with having tightenings. The doctors said is ok as long as you're not using it to mask labour pains which you should be going to hospital for if u go into early labour.

 

[mamaofthree]

Definately don't use it before 36weeks hun as they bring on labour and strengthen contractions...i used my mama tens in my last labour as it keeps the contractions strong (also cuz i have arthritis and spd, and sij problems)Do you go for hydrotherapy, or physio? I found this really helpful! Speak to your gp regarding this, or if you can take pain relief...sometimes the benefits out weigh the risk to baby. Hope you feel better sn x x x x

 

[emilyp83]

I'm pretty sure the doctors at the hospital wouldn't have let me carry on using it if it wasn't safe. It's documented in my notes and everything. I'd check with someone first but if it was going to bring on labour I think they would have said something since I was only 27 weeks at the time!

 

[KatyKat]

I was told by a Dr two weeks ago not to go anywhere near one before 37 weeks - I hadn' even asked about one but she was really quick to make sure I wasn't thinking about it.

I wouldn't risk it unless a Dr tells you that its safe for you and your personal circumstances?

 

[b23]

I saw a consultant at 30ish weeks I think it was because of SPD/PGP pain and he said to try using a TENS machine. I think it's a case of outweighing the potential problems and benefits. I was told there's limited evidence that it brings on contractions, and if you do feel like you're having contractions then switch the machine off and they should stop. It turned out I didn't use one that early on as I only wanted to hire one so mine has only just arrived and I used it for the first time last night at 36+3.