Pain Management With Virtual Reality Hypnosis
This study is exploring a new way to help mothers manage pain during the early stages of labour using virtual reality (VR) hypnosis. The early part of labour, and sometimes the preparations for inducing labour, can be quite painful. Currently, there aren't many pain relief options that don't affect the baby. This research wants to see if VR hypnosis can be an effective, drug-free way to help women cope with this pain. If successful, it could mean less reliance on stronger painkillers, fewer side effects for both mother and baby, and more natural support during childbirth, meeting a growing demand from expectant mothers for non-drug approaches.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're getting ready to have your baby, and you're in the very first part of labour. This stage, sometimes called the 'latent phase,' is when your body starts having regular, painful contractions, but your cervix isn't fully open yet. This can last for several hours, and it's often uncomfortable. Similarly, sometimes doctors need to help start labour artificially, a process called 'induction,' which also involves painful contractions to prepare your body. Both of these situations can be quite painful.
The challenge is that during these early stages and particularly during pregnancy, there aren't many pain relief options that are completely safe for the baby and don't have side effects. Many mums-to-be are also looking for more natural ways to manage pain without medicines.
This study is looking at whether virtual reality (VR) hypnosis could be a helpful solution. VR hypnosis involves using a headset to escape into a calming virtual world, combined with hypnosis techniques, to help you manage pain. The researchers want to see if this method can effectively reduce pain during these early, often lengthy, stages of labour and induction. If it works, it could provide a great new option for expectant mothers, potentially reducing the need for stronger painkillers like morphine derivatives, which can have side effects. It would also help meet the growing desire for more natural and supportive childbirth experiences.
Key takeaways
- Exploring VR hypnosis for labour pain relief.
- Aims to reduce reliance on drug-based pain relief.
- Focuses on early labour and labour induction.
- Potential for a more natural childbirth experience.
- Participation is voluntary and withdrawal is always an option.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you need to be over 18, speak and understand French, and already be in the hospital before labour starts. You should be in the early stage of labour (the latent phase) and have a low-risk pregnancy that is at least 37 weeks along. The study is for women who need some form of pain management, whether that's medicine or other approaches.
However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you have legal protection that stops you from making your own medical decisions, or if you have problems with your hearing or eyesight that would make using the VR headset difficult. You also can't take part if you have epilepsy or existing psychiatric conditions. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, ongoing chronic pain, or issues with addiction, this study wouldn't be right for you. Lastly, if you have allergies to common painkillers like paracetamol, codeine, or other specific medications listed, you won't be able to join.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you over 18 years old?
- Do you speak and understand French?
- Are you in the early stage of labour or having your labour induced?
- Do you have a low-risk pregnancy at 37 weeks or more?
- Do you not have epilepsy, chronic pain, or addiction issues?
- Are you not allergic to common painkillers mentioned?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you would primarily be experiencing virtual reality hypnosis sessions during your early labour. The study aims to see how effective these sessions are at managing your pain compared to other methods, such as traditional painkillers. This will involve using the VR equipment and your pain levels being monitored. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the early stages of your labour, as the focus is on pain management during this specific time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CHU Amiens PicardieVerified postcodeAmiens, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is virtual reality (VR) hypnosis?
It's a method where you wear a special headset to enter a calming, virtual world, combined with guided relaxation techniques to help you manage pain.
What stage of labour is this study for?
This study focuses on the very first stage of labour, called the 'latent phase,' and also during the process of inducing labour.
Will I still be able to have other pain relief if needed?
The study aims to explore VR hypnosis as a pain management tool, but your medical team will ensure you receive the appropriate care for your pain.
Are there any side effects from VR hypnosis?
Some people might feel a bit disoriented or dizzy when using VR, but serious side effects are rare. You can stop using it whenever you want.
Do I have to speak French to join?
Yes, unfortunately, a requirement for this specific study is to be able to speak and understand French.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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