07/31/2026
The TENS unit - a wonderful tool in my birth bag.
TENS is generally most effective:
* During early labor and active labor
* For back labor, especially if the baby is occiput posterior (“sunny side up”)
The four electrodes are usually placed:
* Two pads on either side of the spine around T10–L1 (upper lumbar/lower thoracic region or under the bra band)
* Two pads around S2–S4 (over the sacrum; think sacral dimples)
The TENS unit can be used alongside other comfort measures such as counter pressure, hip squeezes, movement, massage, and breathing techniques.
I personally found the TENS unit helpful in my last labor. Do you think this is a tool you would use during labor? Or maybe you’ve had the opportunity to use it already! How was your experience? Let me know in the comments below😊
