The impact of virtual reality on maternal anxiety, satisfaction, and fetal outcomes among pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the impact of virtual reality (VR) on maternal anxiety, satisfaction, and fetal physiological parameters during non-stress test (NST) in pregnant women. We conducted an extensive search across numerous databases to identify eligible studies from inception to April 2024. Researchers included randomized trials that compared VR intervention during NSTs in the third trimester with control groups. Data were analyzed through meta-analysis using Revman software. We identified four trials, encompassing 681 patients, that met the inclusion criteria. The VR group had significantly reduced anxiety levels and increased maternal satisfaction during NSTs. Furthermore, the VR group demonstrated higher basal fetal heart rate and more accelerations compared to the control group. Pregnant women in the VR group were also more likely to achieve a reactive NST, with a shorter duration of reactivity. Overall, VR use during NSTs effectively reduces maternal anxiety, enhances satisfaction, and improves fetal physiological parameters.