Quick answer: Yes. TENS is widely considered safe during labour and has been used by mums in childbirth since the 1970s. The electrodes sit on your lower back, not near your baby. A Cochrane systematic review of 17 clinical trials and 1,466 women found no adverse events for mother or baby associated with TENS use in labour. Elle TENS devices are purpose-built for obstetric use and certified in Australia under ARTG number 225921.
Why TENS is considered safe during labour
TENS works by delivering low-level electrical pulses through electrodes placed on the skin of your lower back. Those pulses stimulate the nerves that carry pain signals from the uterus, helping your body produce endorphins and reducing how many pain signals reach your brain. This is known as the Gate Control Theory of pain, and it has been the basis of TENS use in obstetric care for more than 50 years.
The critical point for safety is placement. TENS electrodes go on your lower back only, well away from your abdomen, your uterus, and your baby. The electrical current does not travel through your body to reach your baby. It works locally, on the nerve pathways in your back, and that is where it stays.
What the clinical evidence shows
The most comprehensive review of TENS for labour pain is a Cochrane systematic review covering 17 randomised controlled trials and 1,466 women (Dowswell et al, University of Liverpool and University of Manchester, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews). The review concluded that no adverse events were reported for mothers or babies across any of the included trials. It also noted that the majority of women using TENS said they would be willing to use it again in a future labour.
Elle TENS devices carry ARTG number 225921 and have been assessed by independent Notified Body SGS for biocompatibility, electrical safety, and usability. They are the same devices used by over one million mums globally and recommended by midwives and obstetricians across Australia and the UK.
A few practical things to know
TENS is safe for most mums, but there are a small number of situations where it should not be used or where you should check with your care provider first. TENS is not recommended for people with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, or for those with epilepsy. These contraindications relate to the electrical pulses, not to any direct risk to the baby.
You should also remove your TENS device before getting into a bath or shower, as it is not designed for use in water. Most mums remove it briefly, then put it straight back on afterwards. And if your midwife needs to place a fetal scalp electrode or you are moving to an epidural, the TENS should come off at that point.
None of these are reasons to avoid TENS. They are simply practical steps to be aware of so that your experience goes smoothly.
Why an obstetric TENS matters for safety
Not all TENS machines are the same. A generic unit designed for sports or muscle recovery is not calibrated for labour, and its electrodes are not designed for obstetric use. Elle TENS devices are purpose-built for childbirth, with 40x100mm maternity electrodes that are sized for correct lower back placement and made with medical-grade hypoallergenic gel that has been independently tested for biocompatibility. Using a certified obstetric device means the safety case applies to you, not just to the general category of TENS.
If you are ready to hire, you can book your Elle TENS on our Elle TENS 2 hire page. Every hire includes certified electrodes, full warranty, and manufacturer insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TENS safe for my baby during labour?
Yes. TENS electrodes are placed on the lower back only, away from the abdomen and uterus. The electrical current works locally on the nerve pathways in your back and does not reach your baby. A Cochrane review of 17 clinical trials found no adverse events for mothers or babies associated with TENS in labour.
Can I use TENS throughout the whole labour?
Yes. You can use your Elle TENS from the first regular contractions right through to birth. Starting early is recommended so your body can build up natural endorphins. The Opti-Max boost button lets you increase the intensity with each contraction as labour progresses.
Are there any situations where I should not use TENS in labour?
TENS is not recommended for people with a pacemaker or implanted electronic device, or for those with epilepsy. It should be removed before getting into a bath or shower, before epidural placement, and if a fetal scalp electrode is being used. If you have any concerns about your specific circumstances, speak with your midwife or care provider.
Does TENS affect fetal monitoring?
Standard external fetal monitoring (CTG) is generally compatible with TENS on the lower back, as the electrodes are placed away from the monitoring area. If your midwife needs to place a fetal scalp electrode, the TENS should be removed at that point. Always follow your care provider's guidance.
Can I use TENS in the bath or shower during labour?
No. TENS should not be used in water. Many mums use the bath or shower as part of their labour toolkit and simply take the device off during that time, then put it back on afterwards. The electrodes can be placed back on the paper backing while you are in the water to keep them in good condition.
Sources
Dowswell T, Bedwell C, Lavender T, Neilson JP. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009;(2):CD007214.
