Conclusion
depressive symptoms
To our knowledge, there are no prior studies demonstrating the effect of VR on maternal-fetal interaction and other aspects of maternal mental status. Fetal images generated in VR seem to promote positive MFA and might reduce maternal depressive symptoms. In this study, we used a prenatal-coaching mobile app to maximize access to fetal images produced with a combination of VR and ultrasound. Since we examined very short-term changes after experiencing VR, future studies are essential to determine the long-term perinatal outcomes of using VR as a modality to increase MFA and to promote mental health during pregnancy.This work was funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea of the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups (grant S2798153). Girjae Soft was supported by this fund and developed the mobile app and virtual reality technology for fetal images. The researchers were independent of the funding bodies. The funders did not play a role in the design or conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, or interpretation of the data; or preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.Authors' Contributions: All authors contributed to the design and conceptualization of the study. The final manuscript has been seen and approved by all authors, and we have taken due care to ensure the integrity of the work. JYP, KNL, and HJK are guarantors of integrity of the entire study. JYP, KNL, HJK, KC, AC, JS, and WM contributed to study concepts and study design; JYP, KNL, HJK, KJO, JYP, KNL, and HJK contributed to data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; JYP, KNL, and HJK contributed to manuscript drafting and manuscript revision for important intellectual content; JYP, KNL, HJK, KC, AC, BK, JS, WM, and KJO contributed to approval of the final version of the submitted manuscript; JYP, KNL, HJK, KC, AC, BK, JS, WM, and KJO agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work and ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved; KC, AC, BK, JS, and WM contributed to literature research; JYP, KNL, and HJK contributed to statistical analysis; and JYP, KNL, HJK, KC, AC, BK, JS, WM, and KJO contributed to manuscript editing.Conflicts of Interest: None declared.Contents of questionnaire for maternal-fetal attachment evaluation (Table S1) and proportion of participants with score ≥4 on the questionnaire to assess maternal understanding of fetal appearance (Figure S1).CONSORT-EHEALTH Checklist V1.6.2.