TENS Machines (Gate Control Theory)

This is another one that works using Gate Control Theory. A TENS machine is a machine where you attached sticky pads to your lower back which emit an electrical pulse, blocking/distracting your pain receptors from noticing the sensations of your surges/contractions.

You can often find them second hand on online marketplaces after people have bought them for birth, or you can rent them from Boots.

The only real con of these is of course you can’t use them in a water birth! As ever, I’d recommend having a go and seeing how you find it before you’re actually in labour.