170: TENS Unit for Pregnancy, Labor & Postpartum Pain Relief (Evidence, Placement & What to Buy)

Certified nurse-midwife and labor nurse Roxanne explains what a TENS unit (transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation) is, how it may reduce pain via gate control theory and endogenous opioid release, and why starting it earlier in labor may help more. She reviews evidence showing TENS can substantially reduce reported labor pain, allow mobility, and may shorten labor compared with epidurals, while avoiding common IV pain medication side effects like nausea and drowsiness. She also covers use in pregnancy for musculoskeletal pain (avoid abdomen and neck), and postpartum use including on the belly for uterine cramps and for C-section recovery (pads above/below incision associated with lower pain scores, faster bowel function return, and improved recovery). The video demonstrates pad placement, intensity “boost” during contractions, water safety cautions, and what to look for when buying (battery power, adjustable intensity, four leads, one-hand control), comparing budget Amazon units with Babycare OB TENS, Elle TENS+, and Elle TENS 2 features.BabyCare TENS: 10MAMASTEFIT For 10% off:https://tensforlabor.com/mamastefit🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500