Virtual Reality to Reduce Pain in Labor
There has never been a more exciting time to teach childbirth education!
In January 2007 Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone and changed the world overnight. A few years on no one could have predicted how reliant we would become on these palm sized devices that have become such a huge part of our lives. Apps followed and now there’s literally an App for everything. GentleBirth moved to a fully digital model in 2014 and we’ve been exploring virtual reality for stress reduction, birth preparation and reducing labor pain. (It works!).
One of my clients using VR during labor
VR instead of Epidurals (or with Epidurals) for Anxious Mom’s to Be?
For some moms VR may be extremely effective for labor and it looks like we may have more answers in the near future.
In 2016 Erin Martucci relaxed on a virtual tropical beach as she labored in a NY hospital supported by her OB with no medication. There is definitely a place for VR to reduce anxiety which has a knock on effect on how much pain you experience. At a recent Stanford VR event I met a psychologist who has been using VR for several years to help patients overcome phobias and extreme anxiety. One hospital in Arizona ran a small study for pain management in labor - mom’s used less IV medication and had lower pain scores and the VRAIL study gave us even more insights. The VRAIL study was conducted in Michigan between November 2016 and April 2017 with pain scores being significantly reduced in moms using VR. Sounds like it’s worth a try!
New research is showing impressive results for pain so it makes sense that trials are beginning for the use of VR for labor pain and anxiety (before or during labor). Your brain has limited ‘bandwidth’ and can only focus intently on one thing at a time (despite what you might believe about multitasking) so combining relaxing imagery with positive suggestions and sounds of nature can significantly reduce pain perception. We know that stress and fear increases pain in labor (and even complications) - so why not use technology to change that for laboring moms?
But as exciting as the technology is there’s a lot to consider when it comes to using VR in labor - the cost of the headset (the more expensive VR headsets give you the fully immersive experience).
How about Mobilsing with VR goggles in labor or Will Moms Have to Stay in Bed?
We know that a mom who is active in labor will usually cope better and have a shorter labor. (I’ve seen moms fall asleep using VR at 5cm very comfortable in bed) and others sitting up on a ball with their partner behind them.
What’s Most Effective for Pain Management?
Simple engaging games are the best - as different parts of the brain are activated but there’s also some great breathing and meditation options too - it just depends on what’s happening in that labor at that time.
What About Motion Sickness?
It’s not usually an issue unless you’re experiencing a VR rollercoaster ride (not something I’d recommend in labor).
Will Hospitals Support the use of VR in L&D? What Training Will Staff Need?
Honestly I don’t see hospitals training staff in the use of VR anytime soon so it’s likely to be doulas who are helping parents with their VR experience in labor.
Will Combining VR and Epidurals Reduce the Amount of Medication Needed in the Epidural?
Maybe. One recent Iranian study compared perineal repair after an episiotomy with or without VR and the women who used VR (along with Lidocaine) had significantly reduced pain levels). Just because mom is pain free doesn’t mean she’s not anxious - VR can give a tired mom an opportunity to rest deeply and a nice ‘side effect’ is that the shaking that often accompanies an epidural diminishes when mom relaxes into a soothing scene from nature with guided breathing.
Lots of questions and not too many answers yet but without a doubt childbirth education has never been more exciting for parents and childbirth educators. I’m excited for what the future will bring!
Would you try VR in labor?