The effect of music on relaxation of expectant mothers during labor

Author(s): Larson, S. C., O'Connell, A. S.

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1983; 20: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. National Association for Music Therapy. 50-58.

Abstract: Seven expectant mothers participated in an experiment to test the effectiveness of music in decreasing responses to pain during labor. The purpose of the music was to cue rhythmic breathing, to assist the women in relaxing by prompting positive associations with the music, and to focus attention on the music as a diversion from discomfort and extraneous hospital sounds which might signal anxiety. All subjects emitted fewer pain responses in the presence of a specially-designed music program to the same setting with no background music.

Keyword(s): music, music-listening, relaxation-training, pain, labor, childbirth, delivery.

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