The psychological side of pregnancy is as important as the physical.
Studies have long drawn a connection between perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and chronic stress and depression, as well as shortened gestational periods and even preterm delivery. With the transformative power of VR, BehaVR is creating programs that change outcomes for the better — for both mom and baby.
15-21% of moms suffer from PMADs.
Far too many pregnant and postpartum moms suffer from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) symptoms including severe depression. These can begin during pregnancy, as early as the second trimester.
Get there earlier.
Research shows that intervention and active care starting in the third trimester of pregnancy can significantly reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear during labor and postpartum phases that can lead to more complex challenges down the line.
Stress now affects 71% of pregnancies.
An escalated number of expectant moms are currently reporting moderate to high stress. Chronic stress can result in hypertension and shortened gestation, which puts both mom and baby at risk of preterm birth and physical distress.
Combine compassion with access.
In order to reduce this acute challenge, we must bring care to expectant moms, which meets them where they are and supports them in building a powerful toolkit against stress, anxiety, and fear.
How We Approach Maternal Health.
Sanctuary for Learning
We offer a calm, immersive VR environment that meaningfully supports moms and their families in the comfort of their homes.
Intimate Connection
Our program supports moms in visualizing the growth of their baby in the womb week-by-week, facilitating an ever-strengthening bond.
For the Whole Family
Moms can invite loved ones into the program with them, reducing the effects of pregnancy on extended friends and family (who may also suffer with PMADs) and build togetherness.
Sustained Companionship
Most pregnancy support systems focus on the term only. Ours continues through labor and delivery, with eight weeks of postpartum programming that illuminates additional challenges like breastfeeding and hormonal change.
Maternal Health Programs
Explore proven programs to support the journey from pregnancy to motherhood.
NurtureVR
22 weeks of perinatal education and skill-building designed to combat PMADs. Developed for women, by women, in partnership with Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian.
Frequently Asked
What is maternal health?
Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. We use the term “perinatal” to refer specifically to the third trimester, labor and delivery experience, and what some informally call the “fourth trimester.” This is when most pregnancy apps and care systems tend to wrap it up… but for many, it’s when the real challenges begin.
Is NurtureVR only for expectant mothers?
While NurtureVR is designed to anticipate and support expectant mothers meaningful through all of pregnancy’s toughest and least talked about challenges, we have found that it is also a useful education and empathy tool for the entire family. One of the benefits of VR is that anyone can put on our headset, so we encourage anyone who thinks they can benefit from the program to try it.
I believe I need NurtureVR but may require financial assistance.
We believe access to NurtureVR is critical and we are here for you. Through our “pay it forward” partnership with Save Moms (REACH) we’re proud to support moms and families in need of NurtureVR. The goal of this program is to uplift the voices and lived experiences of expectant mothers in marginalized and low-income communities, knowing these are the communities that suffer from maternal health challenges most acutely. Please visit https://savemoms.us/vrforall for more information.
How long does the program last?
NurtureVR is a 22-week program focused on the third trimester, labor and delivery experience and postpartum period. However, it’s quite flexible! You can jump in at any point in the program, and jump to modules that are most relevant to you. You can even get a head start during your second trimester.
I’m not an expecting mother, but I know someone who is. Can I get NurtureVR?
Yes! You are more than welcome to purchase the all-inclusive NurtureVR program for a loved one. If you are a healthcare provider, clinician, OB/GYN, employer, or maternal health leader and would like to purchase NurtureVR for your community or patient population, please Get In Touch and we’ll get you set up.
Let’s Start a Conversation.
Interested to partner on better Maternal Health? Have a question or idea to share? We’d love to hear from you.