If you’re planning a drug-free birth, a TENS machine can be a game changer — giving you calm, hands-on pain relief and a real sense of control during labour. But not all TENS machines are the same. A labour-specific TENS is designed very differently from a standard physiotherapy model — and understanding why can help you choose the best one for birth.
How a Labour TENS Works
A labour-specific TENS machine is designed to deliver precise pulse patterns and frequencies that target two key pain-relief mechanisms:
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Endorphin release, and
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Pain-signal interference during contractions.
A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device sends gentle electrical impulses through pads placed on your lower back. The frequency — measured in hertz (Hz) — determines how fast those impulses are delivered. Different frequencies trigger different effects in your nervous system.
Low-frequency mode (~2–5 Hz): Building endorphins
This slower pulse setting encourages your body to release endorphins — your natural painkillers. These endorphins attach to opioid receptors in your brain and spinal cord, helping reduce pain perception and promote calm between contractions.
In this phase, the TENS helps:
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Build up steady, long-lasting relief
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Keep your breathing steady
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Support relaxation between contractions
Think of it as your body’s “base layer” of pain relief.
High-frequency mode (~80–120 Hz): The boost button
When a contraction starts, you press the Boost button — and that’s when the TENS really shines. The pulses instantly switch to a much faster rhythm, stimulating the sensory nerves so they “close the gate” to pain messages trying to reach your brain.
This is called the Gate Control Theory of Pain — the same principle behind rubbing a sore spot to stop it hurting. The fast pulses effectively “drown out” pain signals, giving you instant relief and something to focus on through each contraction.
The perfect rhythm for labour
A standard or physio TENS usually stays within one frequency range — fine for back pain, but not enough for labour.
A labour TENS alternates between two modes:
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Base / Rest Mode (low-frequency 2–5 Hz)
→ Runs between contractions to boost endorphins and maintain calm. -
Boost Mode (high-frequency 80–120 Hz)
→ Activated during contractions for strong, immediate pain blocking.
This back-and-forth rhythm mirrors the natural pattern of labour — periods of rest, then intense activity — giving both ongoing comfort and powerful relief when it counts most.
The science in action
Low-frequency stimulation increases β-endorphins and enkephalins, which attach to your body’s opioid receptors to create a natural analgesic effect. It also helps calm your nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and even improve oxygen flow to your muscles.
During boost mode, the high-frequency pulses target the A-delta and C nerve fibres — the same ones that carry pain signals — blocking or delaying their messages before they reach the brain.
The result: less perceived pain, more confidence, and often, a greater sense of control throughout labour.
What to Look for in a Labour TENS Machine
If you’re hiring or buying a TENS for birth, make sure it’s specifically designed for labour. Here’s what matters most:
⚡ Boost / Contraction Button
Essential for labour. It lets you instantly increase intensity when a contraction begins, switching into high-frequency mode for immediate pain blocking.
🚶 Portable & Easy to Wear
You’ll want to move freely during labour, so choose a lightweight, easy-to-wear/handheld design that’s easy to carry between home, car, and the hospital.
🩹 Four Electrode Pads
Look for large, good-quality pads in new condition with strong adhesion — they need to stay secure for hours of use or be reapplied multiple times.
🎛️ Simple, User-Friendly Controls
Labour is not the time for fiddly settings. Clear buttons, a visible screen, and simple operation mean you and your birth partner can easily help manage it between contractions.
💬 Support & Instructions
Good instructions — or better yet, a quick video or guide from your hire provider — make all the difference. You should know exactly where to place the pads and how to use the unit confidently.
The Takeaway
A labour-specific TENS isn’t just another gadget — it’s a carefully tuned tool designed for the rhythm of birth. By alternating between endorphin-building and pain-blocking frequencies, it supports your body’s natural process while giving you control, movement, and calm focus.
At Natal Care Naturally, every machine we supply is labour-specific, fully serviced, and comes with easy-to-follow instructions and support — so you can focus on your birth, not your tech.
BOOK your TENS today.
