This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of listening to ney music during routine non-stress testing (NST) on maternal psychological and physiological responses and fetal reactivity. Maternal anxiety during NST may activate sympathetic pathways and potentially influence fetal heart rate patterns. A total of 126 pregnant women at ≥32 weeks' gestation were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (ney music during NST) or a control group (standard NST care). Maternal state anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State), perceived stress and anxiety (DASS-21), blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and NST reactivity were assessed before and after the procedure. The primary objective is to determine whether ney music reduces acute maternal state anxiety during NST. Secondary objectives include evaluating its effects on autonomic physiological parameters and fetal NST reactivity.

Inclusion criteria were:

• age ≥18 years,
• gestational age ≥32 weeks,
• singleton pregnancy,
• absence of known fetal cardiovascular anomalies,
• no visual or hearing impairments,
• having eaten at least two hours before the NST,
• bladder emptied prior to the procedure,
• voluntary participation.

Exclusion criteria included:

• pre-existing maternal medical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, obesity),
• multiple pregnancy,
• smoking,
• known fetal abnormalities or fetal distress,
• inherited anemia or sexually transmitted infections.