Volume 16, Issue 6 (Nov & Dec- In press 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(6): 1-1 |
Back to browse issues page
Ethics code: no ethical approval or code was required
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Rahmani Bilondi¹ Z, Nakhaee² M, Bagherzadeh³* Z. Virtual Reality, a Step Toward Facilitating the Childbirth Process. J Research Health 2026; 16 (6) :1-1
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-3010-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-3010-en.html
1- Reproductive Health and Population Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
2- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
3- School of Medicine, Student Working Group Reproductive Health and Population Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran ,z.bagherzadeh67@gmail.com
2- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
3- School of Medicine, Student Working Group Reproductive Health and Population Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran ,
Abstract: (29 Views)
Childbirth represents a profound physiological and emotional transition with enduring physical, psychological and social consequences for women. As maternity care increasingly embraces woman-centered principles, challenges such as childbirth-related anxiety, pain, psychological distress, and inadequate preparation highlight the need for supportive approaches addressing women’s clinical and emotional needs. Emerging technologies, particularly virtual reality (VR), may complement existing maternity care practices and enhance the childbirth experience. Drawing on evidence from randomized trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews (2018–2025), this Point of View assesses how VR may address clinical needs and implementation challenges in maternity care. Unlike previous reviews focusing primarily on VR efficacy, this Viewpoint translates current evidence into practical recommendations for VR use in routine maternity care, addressing gaps in implementation, regulation, workforce training, and equitable access. Evidence suggests that VR, alone or combined with adjunctive modalities such as music therapy, hypnosis, or biofeedback, may help reduce maternal stress and anxiety, support pain management, stabilize vital signs, alleviate depressive symptoms, and improve satisfaction with care. Moreover, VR-based prenatal education supports psychological readiness, particularly among first‑time mothers. Yet, its integration into routine care faces barriers such as cybersickness, headset-related strain, data privacy concerns and the absence of standardized protocols. Policy recommendations emphasize safe integration, equitable access, professional training, regulatory guidance, and continuous evaluation to maximize VR’s impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Aligned with evidence-based practice and innovation, VR holds potential to transform childbirth into a safer and more empowering experience.
Keywords: Virtual reality (VR), Maternal health, Childbirth, Prenatal care, Anxiety reduction, Pain management, Maternal education
Type of Study: Viewpoint |
Subject:
● Artificial Intelligence
Received: 2025/12/15 | Accepted: 2026/09/9 | Published: 2026/11/4
Received: 2025/12/15 | Accepted: 2026/09/9 | Published: 2026/11/4
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-By-NC), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Contact Information
