Are TENS Machines Safe During Pregnancy?

Written by Dr Serena Jones, GP

Dr Serena graduated from Manchester University in 2008 (MBChB).

She also holds the MRCGP, DRCOG and DFSRH. 

What is TENS:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines are portable devices that are used to help reduce pain. Small electrical impulses of varying intensity are delivered through sticky electrode pads that are placed onto various areas of the skin – these stimulate nerves which are thought to help by:

• Blocking pain signals to the brain.
• Leading to a decreased pain perception.
• Leading to an increase in blood flow to the area, aiding natural healing.
• Helping to release natural endorphins, the body’s own painkillers.

What is TENS used for?

TENS is a non-addictive, inexpensive, non-invasive, form of pain relief that can be self-administered from the comfort of your own home, allowing you to get pain relief exactly as and when you require with no monitoring required. There are also very few side effects and exclusions to use, making it an ideal pain relief choice for many!

TENS works particularly well on back pain but can also be used on other joint and muscle pains. Many people use TENS to help with pain associated with menstruation, sports injuries, chronic pain and of course pregnancy.

Can I use TENS during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is such a precious time and keeping mum and baby safe is the ultimate priority. With aches and pains being very common in pregnancy (up to 88% of women report back pain at some point during pregnancy [1]) pain relief should be as risk free as possible for both mother and baby.

Tens machines can be used with care through all stages of pregnancy [2]. However – although no side effects nor foetal abnormalities have been reported from the use of TENS during pregnancy [3] -it is more widely used and recommended from the second trimester (week 13) onwards.

Prior to the use of TENS, it is recommended that modification of activities, supports, and appropriate exercises should be the first treatment options to manage persisting low back pain or pelvic girdle pain. Where these interventions do not provide adequate symptom relief, TENS can be considered in preference to strong pain relief medication [4].

There has been a study showing TENS to be more effective for lower back pain in pregnancy than both exercise and paracetamol [2].

What should you consider when using TENS during pregnancy?

There are certain practices that would be worth following such as:

• Placement of the sticky electrode pads – ideally avoid placement on the bump and keeping them round your back.
• Intensity – selecting a lower intensity setting.
• Duration – ideally keeping this to below 30 minutes per use.
• Consulting with a professional – especially if you have any problems – as there are certain conditions, such as placenta previa or preterm labour, where the use of TENS wouldn’t be advisable.
• Extra caution: for those with epilepsy, an irritable uterus, or if you have a history of early miscarriage or abortion.

So, research shows that —yes, you can use TENS when you are pregnant!

TENS machines can be safely and confidently used from the second trimester of pregnancy onwards, once basic measures such as exercise / stretches have been tried but ineffective.

Kinetik Wellbeing has recently launched their new TENS machine, it’s designed to be a safe and effective way of relieving pain during pregnancy. You can find out more about the Dual Channel TENS Machine AD-2126 here.

References:

• Gutke, A., Boissonnault, J., Brook, G., & Stuge, B. (2018). The severity and impact of pelvic girdle pain and low-back pain in pregnancy: A multinational study. Journal of Women’s Health, 27, 510–517. 10.1089/jwh.2017.6342
• Keskin, E. A., Onur, O., Keskin, H. L., Gumus, I. I., Kafali, H., & Turhan, N. (2012). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation improves low back pain during pregnancy. Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 74, 76–83. 10.1159/000337720
• Crothers et al (2012). Safe use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. Journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women’s Health, Autumn 2012, 111, 22–26 ACPWH GUIDANCE
• https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/OP-100.15-TENS-machine-in-pregnancy.pdf