Synchronization of a Virtual Reality Scenario to Uterine Contractions for Labor Pain Management: Development Study and Randomized Controlled Trial.

Labor is described as one of the most painful events women can experience through their lives, and labor pain shows unique features and rhythmic fluctuations. The present study aims to evaluate virtual reality (VR) analgesic interventions for active labor with biofeedback-based VR technologies synchronized to uterine activity. We developed a VR system modeled on uterine contractions by connecting it to cardiotocographic equipment.

Labor Analgesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Non-Pharmacological Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Pain during First Stage of Labor.

the aim of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive and non-pharmacological techniques on labor first-stage pain intensity. Literature databases were searched from inception to May 2021, and research was expanded through the screening of previous systematic reviews. Inclusion criteria were: (1) population: women in first stage of labor; (2) intervention: non-pharmacological, non-invasive, or minimally invasive intrapartum analgesic techniques alternative and/or complementary to pharmacological analgesia; (3) comparison: routine intrapartum care or placebos; (4) outcomes: subjective pain intensity; and (5) study design: randomized controlled trial.