Virtual Maternity Care During Pregnancy: A Metasynthesis of the Qualitative Literature on Women’s Experiences

The adoption of Virtual Maternity Care (VMC) in antenatal settings is increasing, propelled by technological advancements that facilitate remote communication and telemonitoring. A spectrum of care models exists globally, ranging from fully virtual to hybrid approaches. This review seeks to synthesise the qualitative evidence on women’s experiences of antenatal VMC in high-income countries, developing a conceptually rich understanding of fac-tors that facilitate or hinder engagement and perceived safety. In June 2025, four databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature published in English between January 2010 and June 2025. After screening for quality and eligibility, 21 articles were included. Findings demonstrated that many women expressed empowerment through active participation and shared responsibility in their care, particularly when relational care was available. Flexibility and convenience, and access to daily telehealth and reliable technologies were valued. Hybrid models were preferred, whereas exclusively remote models sometimes inhibited quality care, particularly for women with previous loss, intimate partner violence, mental health concerns, or those facing language barriers, digital poverty, financial hardship, or low health literacy. In conclusion, women’s perspectives underscore priorities for designing and scaling high-quality, accessible virtual midwifery care: relational continuity, technological reliability, flexible delivery, and hybrid models integrating virtual and in-person care.