Effect of Music in Labor in Women Who Underwent Induction of Labor

Effect of Music in Labor in Women Who Underwent Induction of Labor

Women's experience of pain during labor varies greatly, and pain control is a major concern for obstetricians. Several methods have been studied for pain management for women in labor, including drug and non-drug interventions Most methods of non-pharmacological pain management are non-invasive and appear to be safe for mother and baby, including immersion in water, relaxation, acupuncture, and massage. However, their efficacy is unclear, and based mostly on non-randomized studies. On the other hand, there are strong data to support the efficacy of pharmacological methods, including epidural analgesia, which improves pain relief but increase the incidence of operative vaginal delivery Recently a clinical trial showed that music in labor was associated with maternal benefits in women who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery. However, the effect of music in labor in women undergoing induction of labor is still a subject of debate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Nulliparous women
• Singleton gestation
• Vertex presentation
• Induction of labor, i.e. cervical ripening with prostaglandins
• Gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Multiparous womne
• Multiple gestations
• Preterm labor
• Preterm premature rupture of membranes
• Induction of labor with oxytocin and without prostaglandins
• Induction of labor with balloon
• High risk pregnancies, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancies, diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal abnormalities.