Did you know that it is actually your brain that decides if you will
experience pain? Your brain protects you by constantly analysing
messages from your body and producing both emotional and physical
responses. If danger outweighs safety, it produces a PAIN response so
you take action. Pretty amazing!!!
Obstetric TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a small
battery-operated device that is used for pain relief in labour. It produces a
‘non-threatening’ tingling sensation in the nerves of the spine. During
labour, this distracts the brain from other sensory messages from the
uterus and the perception of pain is modulated in response.
TENS is a safe method of pain relief and you can use it at home and in
the labour suite. It can also be combined with mobility, comfort positions,
heat packs and gas.
To ensure you have a TENS unit ready at home before you go into
labour, it is best to hire a unit around 37 weeks. At Kindred, TENS hire
also includes an individual practical session so you feel confident in
setting up your TENS unit, leaving less to worry about when the big time
comes!
TENS hire is available from Brisbane Women’s Physiotherapy at
Kindred. Ph. 3188 7915.