Tens machine in labour

Dear Tara,
High blood pressure is not so much a contraindication for using a TENS machine, but more of an indication for induction or, possibly, a Caesarean section. If you are induced, the baby would be monitored, so you would not be able to move around during labour, and an epidural might be more appropriate. As an epidural has the side effect of lowering the mother’s blood pressure, the hospital staff might suggest you have an epidural in any case.
However, you don’t say how many weeks pregnant you are. 140/95 is at the upper end of normal, but if the diastolic (lower number) reading rises steadily at the end of pregnancy, then you are likely to be monitored carefully.
Your GP and community midwife cannot accurately predict what is going to happen to your blood pressure, but want you to keep an open mind as to the possibility of a monitored labour, for the safety of your baby. This is the only sensible attitude. Be prepared for any type of labour; all that matters is that your baby is OK.
I hope all goes well for you -
Christine Hill
Antenatal Expert
iVillage.co.uk