Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation during birth

Abstract

The amount of pain a woman experiences is influenced by many individual, physical, emotional and environmental factors. Some of these factors can be anticipated and controlled. It is important that, before the birth, a woman is aware of relaxation techniques and of all the forms of pain relief which are available before and during the birth. The midwife has an important role to play in informing the woman of the options available and devising a birth plan to suit the woman's needs. This article focuses on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), where electrodes placed on the woman's back send out electrical signals, blocking pain and stimulating the production of endorphins. There are no known harmful side effects and studies have shown that it greatly reduces the need for pharmacological analgesia. Women should be made aware of all methods of pain relief available so they can make an infomed choice on what they believe will suit them.