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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Anxiety | Research article

Virtual reality applications to assist pregnant women: a scoping review

Authors: Sadrieh Hajesmaeel-Gohari, Fatemeh Sarpourian, Elaheh Shafiei

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer technology that simulates the real world to allow users to communicate with a similar but artificial environment. VR technologies can be used in pregnancy to help mothers gain a better understanding of this significant yet stressful event. The aim of this study was to find and summarize VR applications to help pregnant women during their pregnancy and delivery.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched on November 11th, 2020 to access relevant studies. The following data were extracted from the collected studies: first author’s name, year of publication, country, type of study, sample size, study objective, VR components (hardware and software), data gathering method, and study outcomes. Through a descriptive summary and analysis, the results eventually presented.

Results

Nine studies were included in this study. Four studies (44.5%) had used VR technology to reduce the anxiety of pregnant women, four studies (44.5%) had applied VR for decreasing delivery pain, and one study (11%) used VR for exercise trainings. Five studies (56%) used VR headsets and three studies (33.5%) used VR glasses. Most studies showed that VR was a useful method to be used for different purposes in both pregnancy and delivery (n = 8, 89%).

Conclusion

The use of VR technology for pregnancy has been increasing in recent years. This technology has different applications in pregnancy, from reducing anxiety and pain to exercise training. However, more studies are required to reach a general common understanding about the efficacy of VR during pregnancy and delivery.

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Title: Virtual reality applications to assist pregnant women: a scoping review
Authors: Sadrieh Hajesmaeel-Gohari
Fatemeh Sarpourian
Elaheh Shafiei
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Anxiety
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-021-03725-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Virtual reality applications to assist pregnant women: a scoping review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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