For many women, childbirth and gynecological procedures can be painful and anxiety-provoking. While medications are available, some women prefer non-drug options. A new analysis suggests that immersive virtual reality (VR) technology might offer a helpful alternative. Researchers pooled data from 31 randomized controlled trials involving 5,355 women undergoing obstetric or gynecological procedures. They compared VR to standard care, which typically included no additional distraction or relaxation techniques. The results showed that VR led to a larger, consistent reduction in pain scores during labor, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.93. For minor procedures, VR also reduced pain, with an SMD of -0.64. Anxiety scores were similarly improved: VR significantly reduced anxiety during labor (SMD -1.13) and during minor procedures (SMD -0.74). These numbers indicate a moderate to large effect, meaning the reductions were noticeable and meaningful. However, the analysis did not report on any side effects or safety concerns, as adverse events were not documented in the included studies. This is an important gap. The researchers caution that the findings come with limitations. There was high statistical heterogeneity, meaning the results varied widely across studies. The types of procedures and VR protocols also differed, making it hard to draw firm conclusions. This analysis does not prove that VR works for all obstetric or gynecological procedures, nor does it show that VR is better than other non-drug methods like breathing exercises or music. The comparator was standard care, which may not have included other active interventions. For now, this evidence suggests that VR could be a useful tool for managing pain and anxiety in these settings, but more research is needed to determine the best ways to use it and to confirm its safety. Women interested in VR should discuss it with their healthcare provider as part of a broader pain management plan.
Immersive VR reduces pain and anxiety in obstetric proceduresVirtual reality reduces pain and anxiety during childbirth
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This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials evaluated the efficacy of immersive virtual reality (VR) technology compared with standard care for pain and anxiety management in women undergoing obstetric or gynaecological procedures. The analysis included 5355 participants across multiple trials, with outcomes focusing on pain and anxiety scores during labour and minor procedures.
For pain scores during labour, VR resulted in a large and consistent reduction compared with standard care (standardised mean difference [SMD] -0.93; 95% CI -1.25 to -0.60). Similarly, for pain during minor procedures, VR showed a reduction (SMD -0.64; 95% CI -0.97 to -0.32). Anxiety scores also significantly improved with VR: during labour (SMD -1.13; 95% CI -1.80 to -0.45) and during minor procedures (SMD -0.74; 95% CI -1.18 to -0.29).
The findings suggest that immersive VR is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and anxiety in these settings. However, the analysis was limited by high levels of statistical heterogeneity and variability in procedural protocols across studies. This heterogeneity may reflect differences in VR technology, procedure types, and outcome measurement tools, which could affect the generalisability of the results.
Adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations were not reported in the included studies, so the safety profile of VR in this context remains unclear. The comparator was standard care, which may include various pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches; thus, the relative efficacy of VR compared with other specific non-pharmacological interventions cannot be determined from this analysis.
Despite these limitations, the consistent direction and magnitude of effect across outcomes support the potential clinical utility of immersive VR. The technology may be particularly beneficial during labour, where pain and anxiety are often high and pharmacological options may have limitations. Implementation strategies should consider patient preferences, resource availability, and integration into existing care pathways.
Further research is needed to standardise VR protocols, identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit, and assess long-term outcomes and safety. Establishing clinical practice guidelines will require additional high-quality trials with consistent methodologies and reporting of adverse events.
In summary, this meta-analysis provides evidence that immersive VR effectively reduces pain and anxiety in obstetric and gynaecological procedures, with large effect sizes. Clinicians may consider VR as an adjunctive non-pharmacological option, particularly for labour pain management, while remaining aware of the heterogeneity and lack of safety data.
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