E-health Intervention for Improving Mental Health During Pregnancy Using Virtual Reality

Pregnancy-related anxiety and depression has received considerable attention worldwide. Mental health problems in pregnant women already since early weeks of gestation may have important consequences for the fetus. Current literature recommends the use of interventions based on new technologies for the treatment of mood disorders, already during the prenatal period. Adult pregnant women (weeks 12-14 of gestation) will be recruited and screened from different primary care centres in Catalonia, Spain. Women who pass the initial mental screening will be randomly allocated to the relaxation virtual reality intervention or control group. The intervention aims to improve mental state of pregnant women during pregnancy, work through breathing, mindfulness and muscle relaxation techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:All women who control their pregnancy in the primary care centers of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Care (ASSIR; Atención a la Salut Sexual i Reproductiva) of Mutua Terrassa, Barcelona (Spain)The women must present a positive value in the mental health screening performed at the beginning of the pregnancy (weeks 12-14 of gestation).Verbal and written literacy understanding of Spanish≥18 years old.Exclusion Criteria:Women with diagnosed psychiatric pathology who are already being followed by the mental health teamWomen victims of gender-based violence who tested positive in the partner violence screen