Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Labour: Practicality and Effectiveness in a Public Hospital Labour Ward

The aim of this study was to assess the practical aspects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and its effectiveness in relieving pain in an Australian public hospital labour ward. Thirty women volunteered from the Antenatal classes to use TENS in labour and took part in a pre-labour TENS education session. Evaluation was made by use of the numerical pain rating scale and two questionnaires. The results showed a high level of patient and staff satisfaction and a statistically significant change in pain perception when subjects acted as their own controls. Significantly less pethidine was used by the study group compared to a matched comparison group. It was recommended that information be provided to mid wives and clients on TENS analgesia, and that it should be available as a choice in a public hospital labour ward