During pregnancy it's common for women to lean towards natural, non-chemical methods of managing labour pain in order to avoid the side effects of medications.

Many expecting mothers prefer to research the options available for pain relief in order to set a preference for their birthing plan when going into labour. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, is a viable and effective option for pain relief not only during labour (1), but for managing pain after birth as well (2).

PainPod™ Labour: Why do women love it?

PainPod™ has been used for many years for the control of pain by people wishing to minimise their use of medication. Over the last two decades Medical TENS technology as used in an advanced form by PainPod™ has become an attractive option for pain relief for women in labour for a number of reasons.

You can have full control with the PainPod™

PainPod™ units are portable medical devices powered by a lithium rechargeable battery. Plugged into the machine is one or two pairs of electrode wires that connect to sets of pads or accessories. The PainPod™ works by passing a gentle electrical current through conductor pads that are placed on the skin to give relief from pain. The intensity, rate and duration of the electrical impulses produced by the PainPod™ unit can be adjusted by the person using it.

Women have said they feel they have control over their birthing pain with the PainPod™. Such active participation in their labour is typically not possible when employing other forms of pain relief.

Other benefits of the PainPod™ for labour pain

The PainPod™ medical devices are a drug-free option with a lot of other key advantages for pregnant mothers to consider:

• PainPod™ is a non-invasive form of pain relief
• PainPod™ has no harmful effects on either the mother or baby during labour
• PainPod™  does not restrict your ability to move about in labour
• PainPod™ can be applied at home during early labour
• Other pain relief options can still be used if you want to use the PainPod™ in conjunction with other pain relief alternatives
• You are in control of the machine with a handheld device, so you can use it exactly when needed and at what strength you prefer
• Many women who have used a PainPod™ for labour swear by it and are keen to use it again for subsequent labours
• The PainPod™ can be used for injuries and pain not related to birthing
• Many Midwives and doctors recommend PainPod™’s treatment technology for labour pain

For more detailed information on how to use PainPod™ in labour, contact the PainPod team and we will assist you in finding a retailer or distributor near you for a demonstration.

Contraindications

Here at PainPod, we strictly recommend that you consult with your doctor before using the PainPod™ during pregnancy. Most commonly the PainPod™ has been known to be recommended by doctors during the last trimester of pregnancy, during labour and after labour for pain management. Your health and the health of your baby is our main priority so take time to consult with a qualified medical professional before use.

Other relevant factors that will affect your suitability for treatment with TENS technology include:

• if you have a pacemaker or any kind of electronic implanted device
• if you have a cochlear implant hearing device
• if you have a severe heart disorder
• if you suffer from epilepsy
• if you already have DVT

If you are prone to seizures, have cancer or are recovering from cancer, consult with your doctor before use.

PainPod™ for Labour

We wish all our birthing mothers an empowering experience and a very happy day of their baby's birth. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via Facebook or through the contact us page today.

References:

1. Government of WA; Department of Health The Use of TENS in Labour Physiotherapy Department Web site: http://wnhs.health.wa.gov.au © January 2006 WNHS 0386 Rev 1 Revised November 2010. See brochure here.
2. Kayman Köse, S., Arioz, D. T., Toktas, H., Koken, G., Kanat-Pektas, M., Kose, M., and Yilmazer, M. (2014) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain control after vaginal delivery and cesarean section. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 27, 1572-1575