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Information for the community – Updated November 2021
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Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Acknowledgement
The Women's and Children's Hospital is located on the traditional lands for the Kaurna people, and we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge that the Kaurna people are the custodians of the Adelaide region, and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Pain Relief Options – TENS Machine

A TENS machine is a machine that sends low voltage electrical impulses to the skin where it is attached. It is a commonly used form of pain relief in labour.

A TENS machine is a machine that sends low voltage electrical impulses to the skin where it is attached. It is a commonly used form of pain relief in labour.

For more information about how a TENS machine works, the evidence behind its use as well as when it can and cannot be used please watch this video. The video also provides information on how to arrange getting a TENS machine during pregnancy ready for the onset of labour.

Your Story

Would you like to share your experiences of using a TENS machine during labour? If you have recently had your baby at the Women's and Children's or been a support person for someone who did and would like to share your story, please get in touch via email. Your details will remain anonymous.

Email address: HealthCYWHSAnaesthesiaWB@sa.gov.au

Further Information

Please note: The Women's and Children's Hospital does not use pethidine or diamorphine. A similar medicine, fentanyl, is given into a small cannula under the skin. The amount of pain relief achieved and the side effects are very similar to those described for pethidine and diamorphine.