MediTens^® XP for Labour

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is widely used for pain management during childbirth as it is a clinically proven, safe and drug free method of pain relief. TENS works by sending comfortable pulses to the nerves via the electrode pads placed on the skin, and eases pain in two distinct ways:

Pain Gate Control: MediTens^® XP works by gently stimulating your sensory nerves, which suppress or block the pain signal to the brain. When the pain pathways which send information to the brain are blocked, it becomes more difficult for the brain to register the pain sensation. This provides immediate pain relief, and you register the ‘tingling’ sensation of the TENS and not the pain.

Endorphin Release: Endorphins are the body’s own natural pain relieving hormones and are released when the body fells certain types of pain. MediTens^® XP for Labour encourages the release of endorphins through a comfortable tapping sensation that results in pain relief even after the unit is switched off.

It takes on average 20-40 minutes of using stimulation before these endorphins are released and the body will continue to release these until the treatment session has stopped. The endorphins also remain in the body for several hours after the stimulation has stopped, giving residual pain relief.

Yes, MediTens^® XP for Labour offers a non-invasive pain control therapy to allow for maximum mobility during use. It is one of the only forms of pain management which allows you to remain mobile for most of your labour, given that your labour progresses normally.

While the nerve endings, which transmit pain messages, may reach various areas of the body, they actually originate from the spinal cord. By placing the pads on the back, they will block these pain messages at their source, therefore targeting a larger area of pain.

When the intensity is increased at the start of Program 1, the stimulation causes endorphins to be released throughout your body. As your labour progresses and the contractions become stronger, we suggest that you use the trigger facility to maximise your pain management when your contractions occur. When the trigger button is pressed, it automatically changes the stimulation to continuous pain blocking, increasing the output significantly. This delivers maximum pain relief when you require it most. Once the contraction is over, pressing the trigger button again will return the MediTens^® XP for Labour to endorphin release stimulation. 

If a pad becomes detached from your body, the stimulation will be paused and the unit will start to beep. When the pad is re-attached the unit will automatically build the stimulation over three seconds to the previously set level. This ensures maximum patient comfort and safety.

Contact your prescribing clinician or the neurotech^® team if you have any questions regarding usage of the MediTens^® XP for Labour.