TENS for Labor Pains
Can you tell me about using the "TENS" system for pain relief in labor?
Thanks,
Julie
Peg Plumbo CNM
Peg Plumbo has been a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) since 1976. She has assisted at over 1,000 births and currently teaches in the... Read more
Dear Julie,
I have no practical or clinical experience with the use of TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) in labor. I did find this great review article on a medline search, however. It does not appear to be a very effective intervention according to these authors, but you may want to see if you can get hold of the article and read some of the references.
Physical therapists use these units and would be a good resource for answers to your questions.
I hope this helps and good luck.
Peg
- Authors
- Reeve J. Menon D. Corabian P.
- Title
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): a technology assessment. [Review] [96 refs]
- Source
- International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care. 12(2):299-324, 1996 Spring.
- Abstract
- The scientific evidence for clinical effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for treatment of acute, chronic, and labor and delivery pain is assessed in this paper, and it is concluded that there is little evidence for other than a limited use of TENS. The utilization of TENS in Canadian hospitals and payments for TENS services are addressed. Some practicalities regarding the use and assessment of health technologies are discussed. [References: 96]
