Being prepared before labour starts means you’ll know exactly how to use your TENS machine effectively when contractions begin.
Here’s how to make sure you get the very best from it.
1. Open it before labour begins
When your TENS arrives, don’t put it away for “later.” Open the box. Read through the instructions. Check all the components are there.
Apply 2 electrode pads to your upper and lower arm (or your partner’s), switch it on and press the + arrow until you feel a small tingling sensation. This helps you become familiar with the feeling and reassures you that everything is working properly before you actually need it.
2. Make sure your birth partner knows how it works
When contractions are building, you don’t want your birth partner reading the instruction booklet mid-contraction.
Before labour starts, make sure your partner knows:
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How to turn the unit on and off
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How to increase and decrease the intensity
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How and when to use the boost button
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How to care for the electrode pads
When you’re focusing inward, your partner should feel calm and confident supporting you.
3. Know exactly where the pads go
Correct pad placement makes a real difference to how effective your TENS will be.
Place:
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Two pads either side of your spine at bra-strap level
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Two pads lower down, level with the “dimples” in your lower back, just above your bottom
This positioning targets the nerves connected to uterine contraction pain.
As you get closer to your due date, you might like to mark small crosses on your back with a washable marker. When labour begins, there’s no guesswork — just calm, clear action.
4. Take care of your electrodes
Good contact with your skin equals better results.
Between uses:
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Stick the pads back onto their plastic backing sheets
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Keep them clean and safe
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Make caring for them your partner’s job
If the pads start to lose their stickiness, rub a few drops of water into the gel side before reapplying. The more securely they stick, the better your TENS will work.
5. Start earlier than you think
One of the biggest secrets to TENS success is starting early.
As soon as you realise labour may be beginning — even if contractions are mild — apply your TENS. Early use helps your body increase its natural endorphin production before contractions become strong.
Endorphins are your body’s own pain relief hormones. Building them early gives you a stronger foundation as labour progresses.
6. Turn it up gradually
When you switch your TENS on:
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Start at a low setting
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Gradually increase the intensity as contractions build
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As contractions intensify aim for a strong but comfortable buzzing sensation
It may take a few contractions to get used to the sensation. That’s completely normal. You’re in control of the intensity at all times.
7. Use the boost button at the peak
Your boost button is designed specifically for contractions.
As each contraction rises and reaches its peak, press boost. You’ll feel a stronger, more wave-like stimulation that helps override the pain signals your body is sending.
When the contraction ends, turn boost off. Resetting it each time means you’ll get the full benefit during your next contraction.
8. Keep moving
Your TENS won’t restrict your movement — and movement can actually enhance its effect.
Walking, swaying, leaning forward, using a birth ball, or staying upright can help you feel more in control and can support your baby’s descent. Follow what feels right for your body.
9. Give it time
TENS doesn’t always feel dramatic straight away.
It can take 30–60 minutes for you to notice the full benefit. Try not to give up too quickly. Like many natural tools, it builds effectiveness over time.
10. Adjust as labour intensifies
As your contractions grow stronger, your TENS may not block all of the pain — and that’s okay.
At this stage, it may:
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Take the edge off each contraction
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Give you something steady to focus on
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Help you feel more grounded and in control
Even if you choose to use other pain relief options, your TENS can often stay on (unless you’re getting into water).
11. Layer your comfort options
Your TENS works beautifully alongside other techniques such as:
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Massage
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Breathing techniques
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Hypnobirthing
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Acupressure or reflexology
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Medical pain relief if you choose it
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Think of your TENS as one supportive layer in your birth toolkit.
12. Remember — you’re in control
Perhaps the most powerful thing about your TENS machine isn’t just the physical relief.
You control the intensity.
You control the boost.
You decide when to turn it up, when to turn it down, and when to stop.
That sense of control can be incredibly grounding during labour.
Lastly
Your Labour TENS machine is simple technology — but when you prepare well and use it early, it can be a steady, reassuring companion through each contraction.
Practise with it. Trust it. Trust yourself.
And remember — every contraction is bringing your baby closer to you.
