The Effect of a Virtual Reality Headset-Based Video Intervention on Fear of Childbirth and Anxiety in High-Risk Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a physiological process; however, approximately one-third of pregnancies are classified as high-risk due to maternal, fetal, or obstetric conditions that may threaten the health of the mother and/or fetus. Women with high-risk pregnancies frequently require hospitalization and bed rest for close maternal and fetal monitoring. Although hospitalization is essential for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes, prolonged bed rest and uncertainty regarding pregnancy outcomes may increase psychological distress, particularly fear of childbirth and anxiety.

Fear of childbirth and anxiety are common among women with high-risk pregnancies and may negatively affect maternal well-being, treatment adherence, and pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, effective, safe, and non-pharmacological interventions that reduce psychological distress during hospitalization are needed.

Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that provides users with a three-dimensional virtual environment and has been increasingly used as a distraction and relaxation intervention in healthcare settings. Previous studies have demonstrated that VR may reduce pain, anxiety, and stress in various clinical populations by diverting attention from unpleasant stimuli and promoting relaxation. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of VR in reducing fear of childbirth and anxiety among hospitalized women with high-risk pregnancies is limited.

The present study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a VR-based relaxation intervention in hospitalized high-risk pregnant women receiving bed rest. Eligible participants who provide written informed consent will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group using block randomization.

Participants in the intervention group will receive routine obstetric and nursing care in addition to a VR intervention. During the intervention, participants will wear a compatible VR headset and watch a 360-degree nature-themed relaxation video accompanied by calming natural sounds for approximately 15 minutes while resting in bed. Participants in the control group will receive routine obstetric and nursing care only.