The Basics
What is Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation?
TENS is a non-invasive peripheral stimulation technique used to relieve pain as pulsed electrical currents are delivered across the intact surface of the skin to activate underlying nerves.
Brand names for Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
N/A
How Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation is classified
Electric Stimulation Therapy
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation During Pregnancy
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation while pregnant
N/A
Taking Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation?
Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of using electrical stimulation of nerves using electrodes affixed to the skin. It is most often used to treat pain. Two small, low-quality studies found it useful for alleviating uterine pain caused by breastfeeding in the early postpartum period in hospitalized women. There are also anecdotal reports of TENS being used for nipple stimulation to induce lactation in adoptive mothers.[1][2] However, no scientific evaluation of the safety or efficacy of this use could be located.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of using electrical stimulation of nerves using electrodes affixed to the skin. It is most often used to treat pain. Two small, low-quality studies found it useful for alleviating uterine pain caused by breastfeeding in the early postpartum period in hospitalized women. There are also anecdotal reports of TENS being used for nipple stimulation to induce lactation in adoptive mothers.[1][2] However, no scientific evaluation of the safety or efficacy of this use could be located.
Possible effects of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation on milk supply
A small, single-blinded study in Sweden compared high-intensity to low-intensity TENS for the alleviation of post-partum uterine pain during breastfeeding in the 24 hours following birth. The high-intensity TENS was more effective.[3]
A small unblinded study in Brazil compared uterine pain in hospitalized women who were experiencing uterine pain during breastfeeding in the immediate postpartum period. One group received TENS and the other did not. None of the patients used any other form of analgesia. Pain experienced at two different occasions during breastfeeding were compared. The decrease in pain from the first to second occasion was greater in the group receiving TENS.[4]
Possible alternatives to Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Smith KL. How do I use a TENS unit to stimulate lactation? Breast Notes.com. Acccessed June 23, 2016. http://breastnotes.com/breastfeeding/BrFd-ReLac-TENS.htm
2. Baird A. How to use a TENS unit to aid in lactation. eHow Health. Accessed June 23, 2016. http://www.ehow.com/how_7530696_use-tens-unit-aid-lactation.html
3. Olsen MF, Elden H, Janson ED et al. A comparison of high- versus low-intensity, high-frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation for painful postpartum uterine contractions. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2007;86:310-4. PMID: 17364305
4. de Sousa L, Gomes-Sponholz FA, Nakano AM. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the relief of post-partum uterine contraction pain during breast-feeding: A randomized clinical trial. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2014;40:1317-23. PMID: 24750301
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
