The Effect of Using Nature Sounds and Virtual Reality During the Non-Stress Test

The Effect of Using Nature Sounds and Virtual Reality During the Non-Stress Test on Fetal Well-Being, Maternal Anxiety, Comfort, and Satisfaction

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of using nature sounds and virtual reality during the non-stress test on fetal well-being, maternal anxiety, comfort, and satisfaction. The study sample will consist of all pregnant women admitted to the Non-Stress Test (NST) unit. A total of 150 women will be included in the sample: 50 for the virtual reality group, 50 for the nature sounds group, and 50 for the control group.

Pregnancy is a multidimensional process characterized not only by physiological changes but also by the restructuring of social roles and psychological adaptation. The changes that occur during this process affect both the mother and the fetus. Increased maternal stress and anxiety may influence fetal development through hormonal mechanisms. Therefore, regular and holistic monitoring of pregnancy is important. Antenatal care is a systematic evaluation process aimed at protecting maternal and fetal health and identifying risk factors. One of the frequently used non-invasive methods for assessing fetal health is the non-stress test. It is widely used because it is easy to administer and considered safe. The test evaluates the relationship between fetal heart rate, fetal movements, and uterine contractions. A reactive result indicates that the fetus is in good condition, whereas a non-reactive result may require further evaluation. Although the non-stress test is non-invasive and painless, it generally lasts at least 20 minutes, and remaining in the same position may lead to hypotension, discomfort, and anxiety. Increased maternal anxiety may affect fetal heart rate patterns, increase false-positive rates, and result in unnecessary interventions. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions aimed at increasing maternal comfort and reducing anxiety during the NST process are important. Nature sounds may reduce perceived stress by promoting relaxation, while virtual reality may decrease anxiety and increase satisfaction by diverting attention away from the environment. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of using nature sounds and virtual reality during the non-stress test on fetal well-being, maternal anxiety, comfort, and satisfaction. The study sample will consist of all pregnant women admitted to the Non-Stress Test (NST) unit. A total of 150 women will be included in the sample: 50 for the virtual reality group, 50 for the nature sounds group, and 50 for the control group. Personal Information Form, Non Stress Test Evaluation Form, Visual Analog Scale for Satisfaction (VAS-Satisfaction), Visual Analog Scale for Comfort (VAS-Comfort), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Scale, Intervention for the experimental group, the Evaluation Form (Virtual reality, Nature sounds) will be used in data collection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being 18 years of age or older
• Being at 32 weeks of gestation or beyond
• Having a healthy pregnancy
• Having a singleton and viable pregnancy
• Not using tobacco or alcohol
• Having eaten at least two hours before the NST procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having any communication impairment (language, vision, hearing, speech, etc.)
• Having a physical or cognitive condition that prevents the use of the virtual reality application and nature sound Having a diagnosis of a high-risk pregnancy Having a diagnosis of a significant chronic (cardiac, renal, neurological, etc.) or psychiatric disorder (psychosis, neurosis, substance dependence, etc.) Having a multiple pregnancy Having a fetus with an anomaly Experiencing fetal distress requiring emergency intervention Having uterine contractions