Role of Virtual Reality-Assisted Distraction in Reducing Labor Pain and Improving Delivery Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Labor pain is one of the most intense forms of acute pain experienced by women, and inadequate management can negatively affect both maternal and neonatal outcomes. While epidural analgesia remains the gold-standard pharmacological intervention, it is associated with side effects, high costs, and limited availability in low- and middle-income settings. These limitations have increased interest in non-pharmacological alternatives such as Virtual Reality-Assisted Distraction (VRAD).

Objective: To critically examine the role of VR-assisted distraction as an innovative, safe, and patient-centered adjunct for labor pain management, and to explore its implications for clinical practice, adoption barriers, and future research.

Methods: This review synthesizes evidence from clinical trials, observational studies, and experimental research evaluating the impact of VR-mediated distraction on labor pain, maternal psychological outcomes, obstetric indicators, and neonatal health. Additional literature on implementation factors, patient education, and health system integration was also analyzed.

Results: Across multiple studies, VR-assisted distraction demonstrated significant reductions in perceived labor pain, anxiety, and stress through its immersive multisensory engagement of sensory, emotional, and cognitive pathways. VR use during labor has been associated with higher maternal satisfaction, shorter active labor duration, fewer obstetric interventions, and improved neonatal outcomes, including higher APGAR scores and enhanced maternal–infant bonding. Beyond analgesia, VR has shown potential as a tool for patient education, emotional support, and empowerment during childbirth. However, its implementation is influenced by factors such as device cost, equipment availability, staff training, and cultural acceptance.

Conclusion: VR-assisted distraction represents a promising non-pharmacological complement to traditional labor analgesia, offering holistic benefits for maternal comfort, emotional wellbeing, and obstetric outcomes. To integrate VR effectively into obstetric care, health systems must address logistical and cultural barriers, develop clear clinical guidelines, and invest in research exploring cost-effectiveness, patient preferences, and long-term impacts. The adoption of immersive technologies such as VR may strengthen maternal health services globally and enhance patient-centered childbirth experiences.