The effect of music on the non-stress test and maternal anxiety

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of music that was listened to by pregnant women during the non-stress test (NST) on the test result and maternal anxiety. Materials and methodsThe study utilized a non-randomized controlled trial design. Sequential sample selection method was used. The pregnant women in the experimental group listened to music during the NST (20 min). ResultsThere were significant differences between the two groups in terms of mean numbers of acceleration deceleration and reactive NST results (p = 0.001). There were statistically significant differences between the intergroup mean scores of pre- and post-music in favor of the control group (p = 0.001). ConclusionThis study concluded that music is an effective method of reducing pregnant women's deceleration numbers and increasing their acceleration numbers and reactive NST rates. The use of music during NSTs can be recommended.