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King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW MOTHERS SATISFIED WITH NERVE STIMULATION UNIT

Subiaco -- a recent survey conducted by King Edward Memorial Hospital found that the majority of women who tried Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) technology for back pain prior to delivery were pleased with the results. TENS is a non-invasive, drug-free method of controlling pain. The hospital started using TENS for acute back pain in pregnant patients in 2006, after seeing the results it had for controlling chronic pain in other body areas. This is especially the case when patients wish to minimise use of medication, which, is very important during pregnancy.

The TENS unit works with a battery powered stimulator and one or two pairs of electrodes with connecting leads. It produces a mild electrical current that makes a slight tingling sensation on the patient's skin. The intensity, rate and duration of the electrical impulses are adjustable.

When a person experiences pain, messages move along the nerves to the brain and the pain is felt.

The TENS electrical impulses, which are sent through the skin to the nerves, block these signals.

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The brain then registers the tingling sensation produced by the TENS unit rather than the pain. TENS also increases production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

"Of course, the use of TENS is not for everybody," says OB/GYN physician Randall Jacoby. He also says that people have to be safe and only use it with medical oversight. "No technology should be used during pregnancy without a healthcare provider readily available."

For more detailed information on the use of a TENS unit, patients should call the hospital at 9340-2222.

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King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women

May 6, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MOTHERS-to-BE COUNT by TENS

Subiaco -- the majority of pregnant women who used Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) technology since January of this year at King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women are pleased to say that having a baby "is not a pain in the back." Many times, women begin to feel a great deal of discomfort in their backs prior to delivery. Last year, the hospital allowed such patients to try a TENS unit, after seeing the positive results this technology had for controlling chronic pain with other people and ensuring that the procedure was safe for the fetuses. TENS is a non-invasive, drug-free method of controlling pain, which is important during pregnancy when it is necessary to minimise use of medication.

A TENS machine transmits impulses through electrodes that are applied to the skin, which causes a sensation like "buzzing" or "tingling." The electrodes are applied to the back at the site of the pain and the impulse can be controlled to be stronger or weaker by the patient or healthcare provider as needed. "I had a great deal of back pain with my first baby," recalls

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-2-Mothers-to-Be Count by TENS