Electrotherapy & Biofeedback

Sensors detect the motion or pressure of your pelvic floor contracting. The device translates that signal into something visual — a graph rising, or a game character moving — so you can see in real time whether you're lifting properly or accidentally bearing down.

Australian Healthdirect lists obstetric TENS as a safe pain-management option during labour, with no known side effects for parent or baby. It isn't suitable for people with a cardiac pacemaker, a history of early miscarriage, or certain pregnancy complications — check with your midwife first.

Most maternity-physio guidance suggests starting in early labour, before contractions intensify. The body needs time to build up its endorphin response, and the TENS works alongside that — by the time you'd want it most, you'll already have momentum.

Pads go on the lower back — two pairs either side of the spine, one around the bra-line and one just above the waist, near the nerves that supply the uterus. Pads never go on the bump. Most obstetric TENS units have a diagram printed in the box.

Sometimes, yes — if the intensity is set too high too fast, or pads are placed on irritated skin. Start low and adjust gradually. Stop and reposition if the sensation goes from "strong tingling" to "stinging or burning". If discomfort persists, check the placement and intensity together.

A biofeedback device reads what your pelvic floor muscles are doing and shows you live, so you can refine your contraction. A TENS machine does the opposite — it sends mild electrical pulses through pads on the skin. Both use electricity, but one teaches and the other stimulates.

All three are app-connected biofeedback Kegel trainers with internal sensors. The Elvie is shorter and uses motion sensors. The Perifit family is longer and uses pressure sensors that detect both lift and push. Perifit Care+ adds extra programs over the standard Perifit.