Which device uses electrical impulses to help alleviate labour pains?

The TENS machine, which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is specifically designed to help alleviate labour pains through the use of electrical impulses. This device works by sending low-voltage electrical currents through the skin to stimulate the nerves in the affected area. The stimulation can help to increase the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body, and can also help block pain signals from reaching the brain.

In the context of labour, women may use a TENS machine during early stages to manage discomfort, as it allows for mobility and can be adjusted according to the intensity of the pain. Utilizing technology like the TENS machine provides an alternative, drug-free option for pain relief during childbirth, which many women find beneficial.

In contrast, other options mentioned like the MMR vaccination and Recovery Position are unrelated to pain management in labour. An epidural also serves to alleviate labour pains, but it is an invasive procedure involving medication delivered through a catheter placed in the epidural space of the spine, whereas the TENS machine is non-invasive and relies solely on electrical stimulation.