TENS Machines for Labour: Do They Really Work?

Spoiler alert: Yes — and there’s real science behind why.

If you’ve ever wondered whether those small electrical pads can actually make a difference in managing labour pain — or if it’s just another hyped-up gadget — you’re not alone. Let’s unpack the truth behind TENS machines, how to use them effectively, and why so many women swear by this quiet little hero as part of their birth toolkit.

What Is a TENS Machine (and How Does It Work)?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation — which is just a fancy way of saying “gentle electrical pulses through your skin.”

In labour, an obstetric TENS machine sends mild electrical currents through adhesive pads placed on your lower back. These currents help to:

  • Distract your brain from the intensity of contractions

  • Trigger the release of natural pain-relieving hormones (endorphins)

  • Reduce your brain’s ability to register pain signals

In simple terms? It gives your nervous system something else to focus on — creating a buzzing, tingling distraction that many women find surprisingly soothing.

Does It Actually Work? (The Science Bit)

Research supports the use of TENS as a safe, non-invasive, and empowering form of pain management during labour, especially when started early.

A 2023 review in the Cochrane Database found that women using TENS during labour reported higher satisfaction with pain control and were less likely to request pharmacological pain relief. While it won’t erase contractions completely, TENS can make them far more manageable.

At Ivoryrose, we see this all the time. Women who use TENS often describe feeling calmer and more in tune with their bodies. It’s not just about pain relief, but about confidence, choice, and staying grounded in the intensity of labour.

How to Use a TENS Machine for Labour

If you’re planning to use TENS during your birth, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

1. Start Early

TENS works best when used from the first signs of labour. Starting early allows your body to gradually adjust and build up those endorphins before things intensify.

2. Get Familiar with It Beforehand

Practice using the device at home before labour begins. Know how to adjust the intensity and where to place the electrodes (your physiotherapist can show you exactly where).

3. Placement Matters

Electrodes are typically placed on either side of your lower spine. Your Ivoryrose physiotherapist can help you learn the correct positioning to maximise comfort and effectiveness.

4. Keep It On as Long as You Can

Continuous use through early and active labour provides the best results. If you plan to use a birth pool, you’ll need to remove the pads before getting into water.

5. Your Partner Can Help

TENS gives partners an active role during birth. They can manage the intensity or press the “boost” button during contractions, which is a simple way to stay connected and supportive.

Why Ivoryrose Mums Love It

Many of our clients at Ivoryrose Physiotherapy describe their TENS machine as a game changer.
Not because it removes all pain, but because it gives them control.

TENS doesn’t interfere with mobility, breathing, or awareness. You can still move, sway, or change positions freely — all while benefiting from a consistent, low-level distraction that helps your body cope naturally.

And for women who want to avoid or delay medical pain relief, TENS is a brilliant first-line option that complements other strategies like breathing, massage, and movement.

Where to Get a TENS Machine in Adelaide

At Ivoryrose, we make it easy for you to access a quality obstetric TENS unit:

  • Hire: $40 for 4 weeks (+ $10 per additional week)

  • Purchase: Around $240 (private health insurance may cover up to 75%)

Your rental includes spare batteries and leads, and our physiotherapists will show you how to use it safely and effectively.

It’s one less thing to stress about when your big day arrives, because the last thing you want is to be reading an instruction manual between contractions.

The Ivoryrose Difference: Empowered, Evidence-Based Birth Prep

We believe birth should never feel like something that happens to you, but instead something you can actively prepare for.
That’s why our Born Ready Course was created: a physiotherapist-led program designed to help you and your partner understand the birth process, prepare your body, and feel confident in your decisions.

And if you want a free, practical guide to help you prepare both body and mind for what’s ahead — we’ve got you covered.

Download Your Free Pregnancy & Birth Guide

Download your free Beyond Birth Guide HERE.
(Beyond Birth: Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy, Birth & Recovery)

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Using a TENS machine during labour

  • Pelvic floor preparation

  • Caesarean and perineal scar care tips

  • What to expect in your early postpartum recovery

Because being informed is the best way to feel calm, confident, and in control, no matter how your birth unfolds.

Final Thoughts

So, do TENS machines really work for labour?
Absolutely. When used correctly, they can provide a natural, empowering way to manage pain and feel more grounded through the birth process.

They might be small, but the confidence they can bring is mighty.

If you’re curious about incorporating TENS into your birth plan or want to hire one before your due date, reach out to our friendly team at Ivoryrose Physiotherapy in Norwood.

Kathryn Warr