THUNAIMusic During Pregnancy
Reproduced from International Forum for Well Being in Pregnancy
Many benefits of music therapy to treat various physical and mental health conditions during pregnancy have emerged in recent years. However, more research is required to establish standardised robust therapy protocols for the perinatal period. This would describe a recommended type of music, time and duration of therapy.
Music has been shown to help pregnant women in the following ways:
1. Sleep
Studies have shown that music therapy can improve sleep quality.
2. Stress and anxiety during pregnancy
Music therapy can be beneficial in improving prenatal anxiety.
3. Preeclampsia treatment
Music can help in lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension/ preeclampsia. Therefore, can be a useful adjunct to the conventional preeclampsia treatment.
4. Stress and anxiety during labour
Research suggests the benefits of music interventions are effective in reducing anxiety during labour.
5. Prenatal depression
Music can help in reducing depression during pregnancy along with stress and anxiety.
6. Labour pain
It can help in reducing pain during labour.
7. Planned Caesarean Section
Studies have shown that listening to music prior to the Caesarean section can provide better coping skills to deal with the stress and anxiety before the surgical procedure.
There is some evidence to suggest that music may increase birth satisfaction and experience of planned caesarean section performed under regional anaesthesia (spinal or epidural).
8. Prevention of PND
Addressing good mental wellbeing is vital during pregnancy (especially during the third trimester) to prevent low mood and mental health problems after the childbirth.
Studies have indicated that listening to music in the third trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of postnatal depression (PND).
International Forum for Wellbeing in Pregnancy is another great resource with lots of practical tips