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SNEE PCSP

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You will meet many different people fro maternity (2)

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SNEE Local Maternity & Neonatal Services

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Health visitor support groups in Suffolk

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Health visitor support groups in Suffolk

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Infant Feeding Support Groups in Suffolk

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Hospital information for the immediate postnatal time - these leaflets can be translated

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Hospital information for the immediate postnatal time - these leaflets can be translated

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Registering the birth
Breastfeeding
Nappies
Safer sleep for babies
Keeping mum healthy
illness in newborn babies
contraception

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Do not use cot bumpers, duvets or soft toys in the cot

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13147 NHS Appointment Timeline A4 English

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13147 NHS  Appointment Timeline A4 Poster Bengali PROOF_2

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https://youtu.be/XsfJ1kTwUK0

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A virtual room tour at Ipswich Maternity

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A virtual room tour at Ipswich Maternity

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Labour advice from our midwife Rebecca based at West Suffolk

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West Suffolk Maternity on Facebook Watch

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Everything you need to know

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Health Visiting - Everything you need to know

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Health Visiting - Everything you need to know

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Health Visiting and Children’s Centre service | Suffolk County Council

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Find out about the Health Visiting Service, which is based around the Healthy Child Programme, and the programme of care that we offer.

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Going home from the neonatal unit | Bliss

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You may have a lot to think about when you go home from the neonatal unit with your premature or sick baby. Find out more about preparing to go home, and what support is avaliable.

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Free counselling for families who have suffered baby loss or a difficult birth experience

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Free counselling for families who have suffered baby loss or a difficult birth experience

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Contact Us For Counselling | Petals Charity

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This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.

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Support for your mental wellbeing in Colchester and Tendring

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Support for your mental wellbeing in Colchester and Tendring

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Sometimes you're not sure what's wrong, but you just know things aren't quite right. Difficult feelings can appear from nowhere that bring us down. With Therapy For You, explore and address the reasons behind your feelings.

Your local NHS service for Colchester, Tendring, Southend, Castle Point & Rochford.

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Sometimes you're not sure what's wrong, but you just know things aren't quite right. Difficult feelings can appear from nowhere that bring us down. With Therapy For You, explore and address the reasons behind your feelings. Your local NHS service for Colchester, Tendring, Southend, Castle Point & Rochford.

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Could you share this with your community? How did you feel after you had a baby? - Raham Project Asks

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How did you feel after you had a baby? - Raham Project Asks

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Find support for your emotional health here

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Find support for your emotional health here

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Different types of wellbeing support are available to people living in Norfolk and Waveney, and Suffolk. Please choose the region you live in to help us find the best support available to you.

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Different types of wellbeing support are available to people living in Norfolk and Waveney, and Suffolk. Please choose the region you live in to help us find the best support available to you.

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Asking for what you need - We all sometimes need more help - here's how to ask for it assertively.

Getting a better night's sleep - Practical and realistic, this module aims to help you survive the first 3 months post-baby

How to eat an elephant - Practice how to break problems down into management chunks.

Irritability and anger - It's so easy to feel annoyed when we're stressed out or exhausted. Here are some ways to respond to the difficult situations and people we face.

What about sex? Planning some adult time back into your life

Planning for the future - Using Plan Do and Review approach to keep you on track for the future.

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Asking for what you need - We all sometimes need more help - here's how to ask for it assertively. Getting a better night's sleep - Practical and realistic, this module aims to help you survive the first 3 months post-baby How to eat an elephant - Practice how to break problems down into management chunks.

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Free online course for those experiencing low mood

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Support for birth mothers who's children are adopted, are in care or live elsewhere

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Support for birth mothers who's children are adopted, are in care or live elsewhere

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Perinatal information in 17 other languages

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Perinatal information in 17 other languages

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Maternity services for people arriving from Ukraine

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Maternity services for people arriving from Ukraine

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information for pregnant women people arriving from Ukraine v1

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Find contact details for each maternity unit here

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FREE information for your pregnancy/birth and postnatal journey

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FREE information for your pregnancy/birth and postnatal journey

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Information for parents

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2 Mum Contents TOPIC PAGE Going home from hospital 4 Your wellbeing and follow-up care 5 Your community midwife and health visitor 5 Your GP 6 Contacts 6 Urgent and emergency contacts 7 Looking after yourself 8 Your emotional wellbeing and mental health 9 Infections 13 Deep vein thrombosis 14 Perineal care 16 Pelvic floor exercises 18 Resuming sex and contraception 19 Caesarean after care 20 Bladder care 21 Returning to exercise 22 TOPIC PAGE Birth registration 24 Vaccinations 25 Screening tests 26 Jaundice 27 Signs and symptoms of an unwell baby 28 Breastfeeding 29 Bottle feeding 32 Caring for your newborn 34 Newborn stools and urine 35 Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 36 Maternity Voices, discussing your birth and feedback 37 Comments and complaints 37 Would you like to talk to someone about your birth? 38 Baby

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NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - After Birth Booklet

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2 Mum Contents TOPIC PAGE Going home from hospital 4 Your wellbeing and follow-up care 5 Your community midwife and health visitor 5 Your GP 6 Contacts 6 Urgent and emergency contacts 7 Looking after yourself 8 Your emotional wellbeing and mental health 9 Infections 13 Deep vein thrombosis 14

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Suffolk and North East Essex Directory of services available to families on their Maternity journey

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How to refer into ESNEFT if support is needed with tongue tie/feeding/baby weight loss

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How to refer into ESNEFT if support is needed with tongue tie/feeding/baby weight loss

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Useful websites for feeding support/dad support/maternity leaflets in other languages

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Useful websites for feeding support/dad support/maternity leaflets in other languages

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Maternity information in other languages

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Maternity information in other languages

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Informação sobre os testes de rastreio durante e após a gravidez.

Documentos

Detalhes

Este folheto contém informação sobre os testes que poderá fazer durante a gravidez e após o seu bebé nascer. Aqui encontrará informação sobre os diferentes tipos de testes e os seus propósitos.

Esperamos que este folheto a ajude a preparar-se antes de falar com a sua parteira ou médico, para que possa fazer as perguntas que são importantes para si.

A decisão de fazer ou não qualquer um dos testes descritos neste folheto é sua. A informação também se encontra disponível em PDF e 12 outras línguas. Os provedores locais devem requerer eventuais novas traduções.

Pode obter uma versão impressa e pode requerê-la em inglês.

Também pode descarregar versões fáceis de ler e perceber para pessoas com dificuldades de aprendizagem.

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Testes de rastreio para si e para o seu bebé

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Skip to main content We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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Ormiston families - reducing risks associated with adverse childhood experiences

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Ormiston families - reducing risks associated with adverse childhood experiences

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Ipswich based Future Female Society offering free workshops for mums

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Ipswich based Future Female Society offering free workshops for mums

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FFS is working to make Ipswich the BEST place to be a women or girl in Suffolk. We run programmes and workshops that raise aspiration and combat underachievement & give women and girls the space to find their voice and recognise their own power. To become leaders in their own lives & communities.

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Personal care plans For mums and families This information booklet is for women who are pregnant in Suffolk and North East Essex. This booklet accompanies the information provided in the Suffolk and North East Essex mum & baby app or our maternity booklets: Your pregnancy, Labour and birth and After your baby's birth .

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NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Personal Care Plans Booklet

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Personal care plans For mums and families This information booklet is for women who are pregnant in Suffolk and North East Essex. This booklet accompanies the information provided in the Suffolk and North East Essex mum & baby app or our maternity booklets: Your pregnancy, Labour and birth and After your baby's birth .

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This booklet is given to all pregnant people

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This booklet is given to all pregnant people

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NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Your Pregnancy Booklet

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Your Pregnancy given to all pregnant people

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Your Pregnancy given to all pregnant people

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Information for you in a flipbook format

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1 Your pregnancy Information booklet for mums & families This booklet should be given to you at the beginning of your pregnancy along with any other relevant information and contact numbers you may need. This information booklet is for women who are pregnant in Suffolk and North East Essex. Try and read this booklet early on and throughout your pregnancy. It has a lot of useful information for you to refer to.

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NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Your Pregnancy Booklet

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1 Your pregnancy Information booklet for mums & families This booklet should be given to you at the beginning of your pregnancy along with any other relevant information and contact numbers you may need. This information booklet is for women who are pregnant in Suffolk and North East Essex.

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Information around labour and birth in a flipbook format

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Information around labour and birth in a flipbook format

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1 Labour and birth Information booklet for mums & families This information booklet is for women who are pregnant in Suffolk and North East Essex. Try and read this booklet early on and throughout your pregnancy. It has a lot of useful information for you to refer to. This booklet accompanies the information provided in the mum & baby app . Your pregnancy, Personal care plans and After your baby's birth (Available within the Mum and Baby app, or ask your midwife for a paper copy)

Made with FlippingBook

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA4ODM=

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NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Labour and Birth Booklet

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1 Labour and birth Information booklet for mums & families This information booklet is for women who are pregnant in Suffolk and North East Essex. Try and read this booklet early on and throughout your pregnancy. It has a lot of useful information for you to refer to.

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People arriving from Ukraine - meeting their health needs

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People arriving from Ukraine - meeting their health needs

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This is information sheet is not a replacement for legal advice specific to your situation.

Determining whether you are eligible for free NHS care can be complicated. The rules in relation to EEA national changed on 1 st January 2021. If your immigration history or your immigration status is not straightforward, contact us for advice.

You can contact us using this online form or by calling our advice line advice line to speak to one of our advisers.

This information sheet explains how NHS Trusts in England decide whether you are entitled to free NHS care and what the term 'ordinary residence' means.

The government has published detailed guidance which provides information about NHS charges.
Who is this information sheet for?
This information sheet is for British citizens, EEA nationals with Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status and individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain who are either living overseas and planning to return to England or who have recently returned to England and require NHS maternity care.

If you are not in this group, there are other ways in which you can be exempt from NHS charges. Please contact us for advice.

Entitlement to NHS maternity care
Who is entitled to NHS maternity care? All pregnant women are entitled to NHS maternity care.
The NHS must never refuse you access to maternity care. This includes women who do not have immigration status or who are unable to pay for care or have not paid for previous NHS care.

Whether or not you will have to pay for your maternity care depends on your nationality, immigration and residence status at the time you receive that care.
Who decides if I have to pay for my NHS maternity care?
Each NHS Trust has an Overseas Visitor Team. It is the responsibility of the Overseas Visitor Team to consider the information and documents you provide and to then reach a decision about whether you will be charged for your maternity care.
What if I am refused care or told that I need to pay?
You have an important role in helping the Overseas Visitor Team understand your residency. You may need to speak to the Overseas Visitor Team and/or send e mails to the Team.

You can:

ask for more information about why the Overseas Visitor Team has reached the decision

provide more documentary evidence

provide more information about your immigration history

If you are refused care or if you are told that you are ordinarily resident and you disagree, please contact us for advice.
How do I contact the Overseas Visitor Team?
Details of the Overseas Visitor Teams appear on the hospital's website. There will be a telephone number and an e mail address for you to contact.
Am I entitled to free NHS maternity care?
The UK has a residence-based healthcare system. This means that whether you are entitled to free NHS maternity care is dependent on your residence status and where you live.

You are not automatically entitled to free NHS maternity care if you are a British citizen, or if you are registered with a GP in the UK, or have an NHS number or own property in the United Kingdom.

The NHS applies a test to determine whether you are entitled to free maternity care:

Are you lawfully resident in the UK AND

Are you in the UK voluntarily AND

Are you properly settled in the UK for the time being? AND

If you are an EEA national, do you have Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status?

The sections below provide more information.

Residence rules
Am I lawfully resident?
For the purposes of the ordinary residence test only, the following groups will be lawfully resident:

British citizens

Individuals with a Right of Abode

Irish Citizens

EEA nationals who have Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status

Non EU nationals who have Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK

Non EU nationals who have settled status or pre-settled status

If you are not sure whether you are lawfully resident, contact us for advice.

For more information about the EU Settlement Scheme, see below.
Am I voluntarily in the UK?
If you have chosen to live in the UK for the time being you will be 'voluntarily' in the UK. The government guidance states: ' it will be rare for a person not to be in the UK voluntarily'.
Am I properly settled in the UK for the time being?
Being ' properly settled in the UK for the time being' or living in the UK for ' settled purposes ' are phrases that do not have a specific or technical meaning.

The following points are relevant in determining whether you are 'properly settled in the UK for the time being ':

You can be in the UK for one reason (for example your or your partner's employment or course of study) or for several reasons.

How long you have lived in the UK at the time you start receiving your NHS care is relevant, but there is no minimum period. You can, depending on your circumstances, be living for 'settled purposes' from the date you arrive in the UK.

You need to intend to remain settled in the UK for the time being, but you do not have to intend to live here permanently or indefinitely

You will need to show evidence that you are 'properly settled in the UK for the time being' - see below.
What evidence do I need to show that I am ordinarily resident?
The evidence that is relevant to prove you are ' properly settled in the UK for the time being' will depend on your circumstances but could include evidence of:

Your Passport OR

If you are an EEA national, your Share Code, Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status OR

If you are an EEA national and do not yet have Settled or Pre-Settled Status, you will need to provide your Certificate of Application to confirm that you have an outstanding application

How long you have been resident in the UK - this could include your ticket to come to the UK, bank statements, utility bills.

your accommodation - such as a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, utility bills, council tax bills

your and/or your partner's employment - such as pay slips or an employment

your or your partner's enrolment on a course of study.

a UK bank account

a UK mobile phone contract

registration with a GP

your children attending school in the UK

family members living in the UK

connections with the UK, including previous visits - particularly if relevant to your decision to move to the UK.

NHS Trusts use the Ordinary Residence Tool to help determine whether an individual is ordinarily resident.
What options are there if I am not ordinarily resident?
If you are not ordinarily resident in the UK, you will be considered an overseas visitor and will be charged for your maternity care unless one of the exemptions applies. If you have any questions, contact us for advice.

Please see our information sheets for more information.

If you are chargeable for your maternity care, the government's guidance states that you should not be asked to pay any money towards your care until after your baby is born. The NHS hospital where you receive your maternity care are likely to issue you with an invoice so that you are aware of how much the charges are likely to be. You will receive a final invoice informing you of how much the total charges are, after your baby has been born.

If you are unable to repay the charges in one instalment, speak to the Overseas Visitor Team at the hospital in order to arrange a repayment plan.

Scenarios
I am ordinarily resident, does that mean my partner/wife is also ordinarily resident and therefore will she receive free NHS maternity care?
No. Ordinarily residence cannot be transferred to your partner/wife. The NHS will look at whether your wife/partner is exempt from NHS charges or if they are ordinarily resident in their own right.
I am a British citizen living in Thailand. I intend to travel to England to give birth and then return to Thailand. Am I ordinarily resident and will I be charged for my maternity care?
You will be charged by the NHS hospital for your maternity care as you will not be considered ordinarily resident. Although you will be lawfully and voluntarily resident in the UK when you return, you will not be considered properly settled for the time being.
I am a German citizen living and working in England. I have settled status. Am I ordinarily resident and will I be charged for my maternity care?
You will not be charged by the NHS hospital for your maternity care as you are ordinarily resident.

Which NHS healthcare services are always free?

The following services and treatments are exempt from charges, and are free for everyone that needs them, regardless of nationality, immigration or residence status:

Accident and emergency (A&E) services up until the point that you are admitted as an inpatient (A&E services provided at an outpatient appointment are chargeable).

Family planning services (not including pregnancy termination)

Diagnosis and treatment of certain contagious diseases e.g. TB or HIV

Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections

Treatment of any physical or mental condition caused by torture, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence or sexual violence (as long as you did not travel to the UK for the purpose of seeking that treatment). If you have come to the UK to escape torture that does not mean you travelled to the UK for the purpose of seeking treatment. See Maternity Action's information sheets for more information.
GP Care
Anyone in England, regardless of nationality or immigration status is entitled to register with a GP as an NHS patient and to receive NHS services provided by the GP w of charge. This applies even if you are chargeable for hospital treatment. GPs also have a duty to provide free of charge treatment which they consider to be immediately necessary or an emergency, regardless of whether you are registered with that practice.

You do not need to register with a GP in order to access NHS maternity care. You can contact the maternity service directly and ask for an appointment.

For more information see: How to register with a GP

Or
www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/doctors/Documents/how-to-register-with-a-gp-leaflet.pdf
Pregnant woman and low income families are entitled to help with healthcare costs. For more information see: Free prescriptions and NHS healthcare services for pregnant women

What is the EU Settlement Scheme?
The EU Settlement Scheme
If you are an EU national living in the UK on or before 31 December 2020, you will need to make an application under the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living lawfully in the UK. The deadline for making an application under the EU Settlement Scheme was 30 June 2021, however there are circumstances when you can make a late application. If you are in this category, it is extremely important to obtain immigration law advice.
If your application is successful, you will be granted either Settled Status (Indefinite Leave to Remain) or Pre-Settled Status (Limited Leave to Remain). If you are granted Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status, this is evidence that you are lawfully resident in the UK. You can find more information about the EU Settlement Scheme here: Here for Good Law Settled JCWI The Aire Centre
About Us

Maternity Action is the UK's leading charity committed to ending inequality and improving the health and wellbeing of pregnant women, partners and young children - from conception through to the child's early years.

To learn more about Maternity Action, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels.
www.maternityaction.org.uk
twitter @maternityaction
How to contact us for advice:
Advice Line - 0808 800 0041 (freephone)

Wednesday 10 - 12

Thursday 10 - 12

Or contact us using this online form and we will get back to you.
www.maternityaction.org.uk

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Residence rules and entitlement to NHS maternity care in England

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This page contains information on: Entitlement to NHS maternity care Residence rules Scenarios Which NHS healthcare services are always free? What is the EU Settlement Scheme? About Us March 2022 This is information sheet is not a replacement for legal advice specific to your situation. Determining whether you are eligible for free NHS ...

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Basic Birthrights translated into other languages

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Basic Birthrights translated into other languages

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Your basic birth rights - translated - Birthrights

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It’s really important that women and birthing people and those that care for them, understand basic birth rights in maternity care. It is vital that conversations that lead to decisions, start from a shared understanding of what an individual can or can’t choose to do and the obligations on maternit…

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challenging inequality : promoting wellbeing

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Skip to main content

You'll get most of the vitamins and minerals you need by eating a healthy, varied diet. But when you're pregnant you also need to take a folic acid supplement. It is also important to take a daily vitamin D supplement.

Ask your GP, midwife or pharmacist about supplements - your GP may be able to prescribe them to you. If you're on income-related benefits, or under 18, you may be entitled to free vitamins via the Healthy Start scheme. You can request an application form for Healthy Start vitamins by calling 0345 607 6823.

Folic acid

It's best to start taking folic acid as soon as you start trying for a baby, or as soon as you find out you're pregnant.

Folic acid is very important for your pregnancy, as it can prevent birth defects known as 'neural tube defects', including spina bifida.

Certain foods contain the natural form of folic acid (folate), such as broccoli, spinach and other green leafy vegetables as well as granary bread, beans and pulses. While it's good to include these foods in your diet, you'll still need to take your folic acid supplements.

How much do I need?

You'll need 400 micrograms (mcg) every day until the end of your first trimester (12 weeks).

Vitamin D

To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March we should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make it from sunlight.

Just 10 micrograms a day is all you need - it's the same for kids and grown-ups. Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website.

Some foods like oily fish (salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines), eggs, red meat and fortified foods (such as fat spreads and some breakfast cereals) contain vitamin D. However, it would be difficult to get the amount of vitamin D you need from food alone.

How much do I need?

Whether you are pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement containing 10mcg.

Sign up for emails

Get more tips and advice on your pregnancy, baby and parenting sent to your inbox.

Where can I get vitamin supplements?

You can get your vitamin supplements from the following places:

Your GP

Pharmacies

Healthy Start - if you are on income-related benefits, or under 18, you can get free vitamins while you're pregnant. Call 0345 607 6823 to request an application form.

Are there any vitamins I should avoid?

Yes. If you're pregnant, you should avoid supplements and multivitamins containing vitamin A (retinol) - as too much of it can harm your baby's development. You should also avoid liver and liver products (including fish liver oil), as they are high in vitamin A.

Need more advice?

If you're in any doubt about taking vitamin supplements during your pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding, speak to your GP or another health professional such as a pharmacist.

More info on vitamins and supplements

Sign up now for our pregnancy, baby and toddler guide

Get personalised emails for trusted NHS advice, videos and tips on your pregnancy week by week, birth and parenthood.
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Find out which vitamins and supplements you should take during pregnancy

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Skip to main content You'll get most of the vitamins and minerals you need by eating a healthy, varied diet. But when you're pregnant you also need to take a folic acid supplement. It is also important to take a daily vitamin D supplement.

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West Suffolk people can access free support 

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West Suffolk people can access free support 

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SNEE Local Maternity & Neonatal Services

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The Latent Stage of Labour   Getting to Know Your Cervix

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A guide for migrants - how the NHS works in other languages

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A guide for migrants - how the NHS works in other languages

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TRANSLATED HEALTH INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS - Doctors of the World

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Below you will be able to find a series of resources addressing common questions including how to register with a GP, COVID 19 and the vaccine as well as keeping Read More

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FGM information in British Sign Language

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FGM information in British Sign Language

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This series of domestic abuse prevention short films were commissioned by SignHealth with funding from the Home Office.

Cookies Policy Our website uses cookies to make things simpler. You can read more about our cookie policy and change your browser settings at any time. ACCEPT

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This short film in British Sign Language (BSL) about Female Genital Mutilation was commissioned by SignHealth with funding from the Home Office.

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Mpower Supports women whose child/ren have been removed into care, including those currently in care proceedings

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Mpower Supports women whose child/ren have been removed into care, including those currently in care proceedings

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Mammalian Birth and how you can influence your hormones.

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What is TENS?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It's a form of pain relief that you can control with a hand-held device.

How does TENS work?

A TENS machine works by sending mild electrical impulses to sticky pads on your lower back. TENS is thought to work as the electrical pulses stimulate nerves that run to the spinal cord and block the transmission of pain (Doswell et al, 2009). This creates a tingling feeling. You can control the strength of the current yourself (OAA, 2019).

TENS might also work by providing a distraction and restoring a sense of control, both of which may lessen the anxiety that can delay the progress of labour(Doswell et al, 2009).

Does TENS work?

A large number of studies have found that women rated their pain similarly, whether using TENS or not (Doswell et al, 2009). But experts are not totally sure whether TENS is effective because more high-quality research about it is needed (Johnson and Jones, 2016).

Some women find it helpful at the start of labour, particularly for backache. While some use only a TENS machine for pain management during labour, it is common to use some other form of pain relief later on in labour (OAA, 2019).

Is TENS suitable for everyone?

Although the electrical pulses used are very small, some people love it, some hate it. It can't be used at the same time as water (shower, bath or birth pool).

There may be additional considerations or monitoring necessary for the use of a TENS machine if a person has a pacemaker fitted. This can be discussed with your health care provider (Badger, 2017).

What do women say about their experiences of TENS?

While most women who use TENS do so to cope with early labour at home, the research has not looked at whether it helps at this point (Doswell et al, 2009). Despite the lack of evidence for its effectiveness, many women said they would be willing to use TENS again in a future labour (Doswell et al, 2009). It's interesting too that women said they were coping with the pain but felt more confident doing so with the distraction of a machine (Doswell et al, 2009).

Does TENS have any side effects?

While some women dislike the sensation or find the device irritating, there are no side effects (OAA, 2016).

Can TENS slow down labour?

TENS does not seem have an effect on the length of labour, interventions in labour, or the wellbeing of mothers and babies (Doswell et al, 2009).

Does TENS affect breastfeeding?

It's not known whether there's any impact on breastfeeding.

Does TENS have any long-term effects?

No.

What happens if I don't like TENS?

If you don't like the sensation or want to try a more effective method such as water instead, it's quick and easy whip off the TENS pads and move on.

Where can I get a TENS machine?

Some hospitals provide TENS machines. If yours doesn't, you can hire or buy one.

Where can I use TENS?

TENS is used by labouring women at home, midwife-led units, travelling in the car, and on the labour ward.

When during labour is TENS used?

It's usually used in early labour, and it can even be used in a car on the way to hospital (OAA, 2016). It is not thought to be beneficial to start using TENS during strong labour (NICE, 2007).

How can my birth partner help with TENS?

The woman will need help to put on the sticky pads. It is a good idea for the birth partner to check the instructions before labour starts, and make sure you have fresh batteries. The pads will mean it's not possible to massage the back, so you can try massaging her head, arms or legs instead if you wish.

Can I use TENS with other pain relief?

As TENS is electrical, you can't use it at the same time as water, and it might interfere with some hospital monitoring. You can use TENS at the same time as Entonox or pethidine/diamorphine.

Would I need any extra procedures if I use TENS?

No.
This page was last reviewed in April 2021.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about pregnancy and life with a new baby.

Research from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) about the use of water as pain relief in labour.

Badger J, Taylor P, Swain I.(2017) The safety of electrical stimulation in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A systematic review. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering. 4: 1-9.

Dowswell T, Bedwell C, Lavender T, Neilson JP. (2009) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2): CD007214. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007214.pub2... [Accessed 5th August 2019]

Johnson M, Jones G. (2016) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: current status of evidence. Pain Management. 7(1). Available from: https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/10.2217/pmt-2016-0030 [Accessed 17 March 2021]

NHS. (2015) TENS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulati... [Accessed 17 March 2021]

OAA. (2016) Pain relief in labour: how do the options compare. Available at: https://www.labourpains.com/assets/_managed/cms/files/InfoforMothers/Pa... [Accessed 17 March 2021]

OAA. (2019) FAQs Pain Relief. Available at:  https://www.labourpains.com/FAQ_Pain_Relief. [Accessed 17th March 2021].

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Labour pain relief: TENS machine | Labour & birth articles & support | NCT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Knowing whether TENS can actually reduce labour pain or is just 'worth a go' could help you to know if you want to find a TENS machine. Here's the lowdown...

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Is it serious? Pregnancy symptom checker

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Is it serious? Pregnancy symptom checker

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It is important to remember that the information in this section is about what could potentially go wrong, but this doesn't mean it definitely will.

We believe in empowering women to understand what is happening within their bodies at this crucial time and to know when they need to ask for extra care.
If you have more questions, you can call our midwives between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday on Tommy's free PregnancyLine

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Tommy's - Is it serious? Pregnancy symptom checker

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It is important to remember that the information in this section is about what could potentially go wrong, but this doesn't mean it definitely will. We believe in empowering women to understand what is happening within their bodies at this crucial time and to know when they need to ask for extra care.

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SNEE Local Maternity & Neonatal Services

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SNEE Local Maternity & Neonatal Services

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SNEE Local Maternity & Neonatal Services

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Reducing your risk of perineal tears | RCOG

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The following animation explains what an OASI is, the four components of the OASI Care Bundle and how women can reduce their risk of sustaining an OASI in childbirth.

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This hub aims to inform about the types of tears that can occur during childbirth, how to minimise your risk of deeper tearing, and what can be done to help your recovery if you do tear.

We also aim to support you to take prompt action if you have any concerns about your recovery, helping you feel better informed when discussing any topics with a healthcare professional.

This information has been developed by the OASI Care Bundle Project Team, the OASI Care Bundle Clinical Champions and perineal specialists.

It is based on the RCOG Green-top Guideline No.29 The Management of Third and Fourth Degree Tears (June 2015) and expert opinion from the above named developers and key stakeholders in line with RCOG due process.

Please give us your feedback

We would like to understand how people are using this resource to help ensure it is relevant and useful. To give us your feedback, please complete our short survey.If you have any questions, please email womensvoices@rcog.org.uk

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Perineal tears and episiotomies in childbirth

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Welcome to our hub for perineal tears and episiotomies in childbirth.

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SNEE Local Maternity & Neonatal Services

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What is TENS?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It's a form of pain relief that you can control with a hand-held device.

How does TENS work?

A TENS machine works by sending mild electrical impulses to sticky pads on your lower back. TENS is thought to work as the electrical pulses stimulate nerves that run to the spinal cord and block the transmission of pain (Doswell et al, 2009). This creates a tingling feeling. You can control the strength of the current yourself (OAA, 2019).

TENS might also work by providing a distraction and restoring a sense of control, both of which may lessen the anxiety that can delay the progress of labour(Doswell et al, 2009).

Does TENS work?

A large number of studies have found that women rated their pain similarly, whether using TENS or not (Doswell et al, 2009). But experts are not totally sure whether TENS is effective because more high-quality research about it is needed (Johnson and Jones, 2016).

Some women find it helpful at the start of labour, particularly for backache. While some use only a TENS machine for pain management during labour, it is common to use some other form of pain relief later on in labour (OAA, 2019).

Is TENS suitable for everyone?

Although the electrical pulses used are very small, some people love it, some hate it. It can't be used at the same time as water (shower, bath or birth pool).

There may be additional considerations or monitoring necessary for the use of a TENS machine if a person has a pacemaker fitted. This can be discussed with your health care provider (Badger, 2017).

What do women say about their experiences of TENS?

While most women who use TENS do so to cope with early labour at home, the research has not looked at whether it helps at this point (Doswell et al, 2009). Despite the lack of evidence for its effectiveness, many women said they would be willing to use TENS again in a future labour (Doswell et al, 2009). It's interesting too that women said they were coping with the pain but felt more confident doing so with the distraction of a machine (Doswell et al, 2009).

Does TENS have any side effects?

While some women dislike the sensation or find the device irritating, there are no side effects (OAA, 2016).

Can TENS slow down labour?

TENS does not seem have an effect on the length of labour, interventions in labour, or the wellbeing of mothers and babies (Doswell et al, 2009).

Does TENS affect breastfeeding?

It's not known whether there's any impact on breastfeeding.

Does TENS have any long-term effects?

No.

What happens if I don't like TENS?

If you don't like the sensation or want to try a more effective method such as water instead, it's quick and easy whip off the TENS pads and move on.

Where can I get a TENS machine?

Some hospitals provide TENS machines. If yours doesn't, you can hire or buy one.

Where can I use TENS?

TENS is used by labouring women at home, midwife-led units, travelling in the car, and on the labour ward.

When during labour is TENS used?

It's usually used in early labour, and it can even be used in a car on the way to hospital (OAA, 2016). It is not thought to be beneficial to start using TENS during strong labour (NICE, 2007).

How can my birth partner help with TENS?

The woman will need help to put on the sticky pads. It is a good idea for the birth partner to check the instructions before labour starts, and make sure you have fresh batteries. The pads will mean it's not possible to massage the back, so you can try massaging her head, arms or legs instead if you wish.

Can I use TENS with other pain relief?

As TENS is electrical, you can't use it at the same time as water, and it might interfere with some hospital monitoring. You can use TENS at the same time as Entonox or pethidine/diamorphine.

Would I need any extra procedures if I use TENS?

No.
This page was last reviewed in April 2021.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about pregnancy and life with a new baby.

Research from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) about the use of water as pain relief in labour.

Badger J, Taylor P, Swain I.(2017) The safety of electrical stimulation in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A systematic review. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering. 4: 1-9.

Dowswell T, Bedwell C, Lavender T, Neilson JP. (2009) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2): CD007214. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007214.pub2... [Accessed 5th August 2019]

Johnson M, Jones G. (2016) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: current status of evidence. Pain Management. 7(1). Available from: https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/10.2217/pmt-2016-0030 [Accessed 17 March 2021]

NHS. (2015) TENS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulati... [Accessed 17 March 2021]

OAA. (2016) Pain relief in labour: how do the options compare. Available at: https://www.labourpains.com/assets/_managed/cms/files/InfoforMothers/Pa... [Accessed 17 March 2021]

OAA. (2019) FAQs Pain Relief. Available at:  https://www.labourpains.com/FAQ_Pain_Relief. [Accessed 17th March 2021].

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Labour pain relief: TENS machine | Labour & birth articles & support | NCT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Knowing whether TENS can actually reduce labour pain or is just 'worth a go' could help you to know if you want to find a TENS machine. Here's the lowdown...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative | Meeting baby for the first time