Effects of Fetal Images Produced in Virtual Reality on Maternal-Fetal Attachment: Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) has been reported to be associated with the postpartum mother-infant relationship. Seeing the fetus through ultrasound might influence MFA, and the effect could be increased by more realistic images, such as those generated in virtual reality (VR).

Objective

The aim was to determine the effect of fetal images generated in VR on MFA and depressive symptoms through a prenatal-coaching mobile app.

Methods

This 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial involved a total of 80 pregnant women. Eligible women were randomly assigned to either a mobile app-only group (n=40) or an app plus VR group (n=40). The VR group experienced their own baby's images generated in VR based on images obtained from fetal ultrasonography. The prenatal-

SUBMITTER: Lee KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10007014 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature