Music therapy in obstetrics: A review

Journal/Book: Music Therapy Perspectives. 1990; 8: 57-60.

Abstract: Summarizes some psychological factors related to pregnancy and childbirth and outlines documented applications of music therapy for women during pregnancy and during labor and delivery. Although refinement of methods is needed in the selection of music and adaptation of music therapy techniques to prepared childbirth methods other than Lamaze, the existing literature supports the potential of obstetrical music therapy to make a significant contribution to maternal and neonatal health. Applications of music to pregnancy reported in the literature include music-enhanced relaxation, singalongs of lullabies and children's songs, music-supported imagery, and guided imagery and music. Music listening has been used during labor to reduce perceived pain, promote relaxation, and pace specialized breathing. ABSTRACT 2: Music therapy has been applied in obstetrics both during pregnancy and at the time of labor and delivery. The purpose of this article is to review published and unpublished sources which document applications of music therapy both to the treatment of psychological variables during pregnancy and to the facilitation of the birthing process during labor and delivery. Although refinement of methods is needed in the selection of music and adaptation of music therapy techniques to prepared childbirth methods other than Lamaze, the existing literature base supports the potential of obstetrical music therapy to make a significant contribution to maternal and neonatal health.

Note: Using Smart Source Parsing music therapy during pregnancy & labor & delivery

Keyword(s): Music therapy; labor childbirth; birth ; pregnancy

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