Virtual nature-based intervention during the first stage of labor

Nature in Hospital - Effectiveness of Virtual Nature-based Intervention During First Stage of Labour: A Feasibility Study and Pilot RCT

Not applicable Interventional University of Oulu · NCT05436015

This study tests if watching calming nature videos can help women in active labor feel less anxious and in pain compared to just getting standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Oulu Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oulu)
Trial IDNCT05436015 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a virtual nature-based intervention for women in active labor. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving the nature-based intervention alongside standard care, and the other receiving only standard care. The intervention involves viewing videos filmed in the natural landscapes of Northern Finland, with the goal of reducing anxiety, fear, stress, and pain during childbirth. Assessments will be conducted before and after childbirth to evaluate the impact on the childbirth experience and mental health outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women who are full-term pregnant and in the active first stage of labor.

Not a fit: Patients who have severe vision or hearing loss, require an interpreter for communication, or are experiencing complications during childbirth may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the childbirth experience and reduce anxiety and stress for birthing women.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of a virtual nature-based intervention is novel, similar studies have shown positive effects of nature exposure on mental health and childbirth experiences.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

* full-term pregnancy (h 37+0 - 41+6)
* childbirth at active first-stage of labour

Exclusion Criteria: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

* severe vision or hearing loss
* communication is possible only via interpreter
* childbirth in second stage of labour
* expected complications during childbirth

Where this trial is running

Oulu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions AnxietyFear of ChildbirthStressPainChildbirth Experience
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.