In pregnant women, the virtual reality intervention as a distractive technique is effective in minimizing acute pain. 

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of virtual reality as a distraction technique to manage pain and anxiety in 60 females undergoing mid-trimester amniocentesis.

Utilizing a predetermined randomization code, participants were randomized to either the virtual reality intervention group (immersive video content as a distraction method, n=30) or the standard care group (n=30).

The major endpoint was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, along with the participant's ratings of their extent of anxiety witnessed during amniocentesis. Using Spielberger's state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) questionnaire, an assessment of anxiety was done.

In both groups, the characteristics and obstetric data of patients were similar. The ratings on the VAS demonstrated that the virtual reality intervention was linked with considerably less pain compared to the standard care group, as shown in Table 1:

No profound differences were witnessed in the maternal anxiety levels prior to and after amniocentesis.

The virtual reality intervention effectively alleviates pain, is relatively inexpensive, easy to use, exhibits no serious adverse effects, and may reduce the fear of pain that can affect the experiences and compliance of the patients with this procedure.