Virtual fetal touch through a haptic interface decreases maternal anxiety and salivary cortisol.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether a virtual reality workstation (Fetouch system) offering three-dimensional (3D) fetal visual and kinesthetic interaction may affect maternal stress. METHODS Maternal-fetal visual and kinesthetic interaction was obtained through a haptic interface based on 3D reconstruction of sequencial bi-dimensional ultrasound images of the fetus. Maternal stress was assessed before and after visual/kinesthetic interaction with the fetus: 1) by using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-Form Y (STAI) test, and 2) by measuring salivary cortisol levels. Statistical analysis was performed by paired t test and analysis of variance for repeated measures. RESULTS After the fetal visual and kinesthetic experiences, a significant reduction was observed in anxiety (low state anxiety group, P < .0034; high state anxiety group, P < .0108), as well as in salivary cortisol concentration (P < .0004). CONCLUSION Physical interaction with the fetus through a 3D model may reduce maternal stress.