The effect of music on the cardiac activity of a fetus in a cardiotocographic examination.

BACKGROUND

Music therapy as an adjunct to treatment is rarely used in perinatology and obstetrics, despite the proven therapeutic effect. Auditory stimulation through music positively impacts the health of adults and infants, its special role being observed in the development of prematurely born neonates. It is equally interesting how music impacts fetuses.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess the parameters of fetuses through cardiotocographic recording in women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy while listening to Pyotr Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty" and "Swan Lake".

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted in 2015 at Dr. Jan Biziel 2nd University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, on 48 women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The cardiotocographic parameters of the fetus were examined by means of a Sonicaid Team Standard Oxford apparatus (Huntleigh Healthcare, Cardiff, United Kingdom).

RESULTS

Significant changes were observed in the number of uterine contractions, accelerations, episodes of higher variability, and fetal movements after listening to the music.

CONCLUSIONS

Listening to classical music can serve as a successful method of prophylaxis against premature deliveries, indicated by the lower number of uterine contractions, and in stimulating fetal movement in the case of a non-reactive non-stress test (NST). Music therapy, as a therapeutic method which is inexpensive and soothing, should be used more frequently in obstetrics wards, indicated by pathological pregnancies, isolation from the natural environment, and distress resulting from diagnostics and from being in an unfamiliar environment.