3-D childbirth: Ukrainian women are offered to give birth in VR glasses

Childbirth is a natural and natural process. However, they are often quite painful. It happens that women in labor can not stand the pain, and then anesthesia comes to the rescue. However, there are other, non-drug methods of pain relief that can help a woman deal with pain during labor on a psychological level. One of these methods - living childbirth in virtual reality glasses - is beginning to be used in Kiev maternity hospitals. How does this method work, who can it help, and to whom is it contraindicated? We were told by an instructor-mentor in preparation for childbirth, a certified doula Marina Shimkova.

How to give birth in virtual reality?

Childbirth in virtual reality glasses is an innovation in the capital's maternity hospitals. It began to be used in the Kiev Perinatal Center just a few days ago, but a queue of women in labor is already lining up for VR glasses. Women who have tried this method say childbirth is actually easier. Moreover, none of the mothers who gave birth in virtual reality asked doctors for medical anesthesia.

The essence of the method is quite simple. When the contractions start, the woman is put on virtual reality glasses. With the help of them, the woman in labor is transported to another place: this is a blooming green meadow, along which a pregnant woman walks towards the sun. In an animated 3-D plot, a light breeze is blowing, butterflies flutter, and rose petals are circling. Relaxing music sounds in the glasses, the calm voice of the announcer periodically turns on, which tells the expectant mother how to breathe correctly.

The plot for the VR glasses was developed by a psychologist and hypnotherapist of the perinatal center. The video was overlaid with oral relaxing text, which has been used for many years in the center for psychological assistance during childbirth. The result is a full-fledged film that calms and helps the woman in labor to escape from pain. Indeed, in virtual reality, a woman is in a certain state of trance, while remaining involved in the process of childbirth.

I must say that this method of childbirth is far from new in the world. For example, in the United States, it was first used back in 2019. Then American doctors said that childbirth in virtual reality will soon become commonplace. However, three years have passed, and they are not very popular. The main reason is that this method is not suitable for all women, believes Marina Shimkova. And in some cases, the gadget can even interfere with the childbirth process.

Who is not allowed to give birth with VR glasses?

“Childbirth in VR glasses is one of the methods of psychological pain relief, which takes place on a par with the same hypnotists, - explains Marina Shimkova. - However, it should be borne in mind that it has both pros and cons. For example, female visuals who, with the help of changing pictures, can calm down and enter a trance state, this will work. At the same time, there are women in whom the change in visual information causes dizziness and headache. Also keep in mind that the glasses themselves are quite heavy and physically can put pressure on the head. It is quite difficult to move with this gadget, and those women who find it important to experience contractions and childbirth in motion will feel uncomfortable in them. "

The use of gadgets in childbirth, on the contrary, distracts many women from the process, the expert said. And someone can even strain, as a factor of outside control. As a result, instead of relaxation, the woman in labor will feel an inner tightness, and the birth will be much more painful. At the same time, there are women for whom childbirth in VR glasses is generally contraindicated.

“This method is definitely not suitable for those women in labor who have psychological problems, brain disorders, epilepsy. In this case, virtual reality can only harm, "

- emphasizes Marina Shimkova.

It is difficult to predict in advance how the process of "virtual childbirth" will go.

"For those who would like to use this gadget, it is highly advisable to try it out in advance,"

- Marina Shimkova recommends. If you realize that this is not for you, there are many alternatives to psychological pain relief. The same hypnotists, , acupressure and other types of massage, partner support. Many people are helped by mindfulrods, or conscious childbirth - when a woman is clearly aware of what is happening to her body during the process of giving birth to a baby. It is very important here to choose what is right for you, and not to chase modern technologies.

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