Not all TENS machines are created equal! 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.

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On the lower setting TENS feels like gentle vibration or ‘pins-and-needles’ on your lower back. At the higher setting TENS can feel more like a deep buzzing or rhythmic tapping.

Yes! TENS has been used in maternity care since the 1970’s. Multiple clinical trials, show no evidence of harm to either mother or baby when TENS is used for labour pain relief.

You can’t use a TENS machine in water. You need to remove the TENS before entering a shower or pool. But you can absolutely use TENS as part of your birth plan alongside a planned water birth. Labour often has a ‘waiting phase’ before the pool is ready or available, and this can last for several hours at home or in early labour. During this time, many women use TENS to help them stay focused and manage contractions.

If you are experiencing back pain late in pregnancy, you can use a TENS from 37 weeks. You can also put the TENS on your back or upper and lower arm for a testing or practice session. Consult with your midwife first.

Please test your TENS machine when it arrives to make sure everything is working correctly and so you can become familiar with how it works. Please follow the instructions carefully.

Help required? If you need urgent help, call us on 021 054 0251. If you need further assistance testing your unit:

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You can watch our short video or follow the step-by-step instructions below.

1. Firstly, check you have all components needed for testing: TENS unit, 2 purple cords, 4 sticky electrodes, 2 batteries.

2. Put the 2 batteries into the unit.

3. Plug one purple cord into the left-hand side of the unit.

4. Open up the sticky electrodes. Take one set of electrodes from the clear backing (keep the clear backing sheet on the table next to you, so when you've finished testing the unit you can reapply the sticky electrodes).

5. Stick one electrode to your upper arm (bicep). It must be stuck to your skin.

6. Stick the other electrode to your lower arm (forearm). It must be stuck to your skin and you must stick TWO electrodes to your arm.

7. Plug the white electrode cables into the purple cord which is attached to the left-hand side of the unit. One in red, one in black.

8. Turn on the TENS machine using the pink button.

9. Push the button CH1 + (on the left-hand side), until your fingers start to twitch. This should happen when you get up to around level 7 on the screen.

10. Remove the sticky electrodes and place them back on the clear sheet.

11. Take the second purple cord and put it into the right-hand side of the TENS machine.

12. Remove the second set of sticky electrodes and repeat the testing. Ensure you press the CH2 + button on the right-hand side of the TENS unit.

Note: The backing on the electrodes is very sticky. If you look after them carefully, they can be put on and off the skin multiple times.

Yes! TENS can be safely used for postpartum recovery and pain relief after a vaginal birth, episiotomy, and caesarean section. It is also helpful if you are experiencing lower back pain while learning to breastfeed.

Yes! TENS is widely used in maternity care and all hospitals and birthing units in New Zealand allow it as part of a birth plan. Note that you may be asked to remove it if you have specific interventions.

Before you get started, here are a few important safety guidelines to keep in mind. We want you to feel confident and reassured using your Labour TENS machine, and these simple precautions help ensure it’s used safely and effectively.

If you’re ever unsure, your midwife or healthcare provider is always the best person to check with.

• Do NOT use the TENS machine in water. Always remove it before entering a bath, shower, or pool.
• Do NOT use a TENS machine if you have a cardiac pacemaker.
• Do NOT use a TENS machine if you have epilepsy.
• Do NOT place the electrode pads on the head, face, neck, across the heart, or over areas with metal implants.
• Only use the electrodes on unbroken skin. Stop use immediately if irritation occurs and seek medical advice.
• Check with your medical adviser before using if you have a heart condition, unexplained pain, metal implants, or any concerns at all.
• TENS should NOT be used before 37 weeks of pregnancy unless under medical supervision. If you’d like to use it earlier for back pain, please check with your midwife first. It is safe, however, to test the TENS on a low setting for a short time on your arm or your partner’s arm.
  

If you have any doubts or would like further guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Elle TENS is the original, proven labour TENS unit — simple, reliable, and designed specifically for contraction pain that comes and goes in waves and increases in intensity.

The Elle TENS 2 is the upgraded model, with improvements focused on visibility, timing, and ease of use during labour.

Key real differences with the Elle TENS 2:

Improved screen + backlight:
Easier to read in low light during labour, especially at night or in a dim birth space.

Contraction timing display:
Helps you and your birth partner keep track of contraction length and spacing, making it easier to understand progress and update your midwife when needed.

Optimised interface (simpler control during labour):
Clearer layout and more intuitive buttons so you or your birth partner can adjust settings quickly and confidently when things intensify.