Virtual reality customization key in labour pain management, study reveals!

A recent study sheds light on what expectant mothers desire when utilizing virtual reality (VR) for managing labour pain. Through qualitative exploration and content analysis, Luka Van Leugenhaegeand colleagues engaged 16 pregnant women and 4 postpartum women, with 10 (mean age = 32.6 years) ultimately participating due to COVID-19 concerns. Two focus groups revealed intriguing insights, with participants experiencing a 30-minute VR demonstration.

The findings revealed five key themes:

1. "Exploration and Information": Expectant mothers expressed a desire for comprehensive information and familiarization with VR during pregnancy.
2. "Diverse Digital Content Choices": Participants emphasized the importance of varied VR content, viewing it as complementary to traditional pain management methods.
3. "Distraction or Focus": VR was seen as a tool for either distraction from pain and clinical surroundings or enhancing focus during labour.
4. "Physical and Digital Comfort": Ensuring comfort in both physical and virtual realms emerged as a crucial consideration.
5. "Partner Inclusion": There was a discussion about the potential inclusion of birthing partners in the VR experience.