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Published on: January 7, 2020
Maternal Music Exposure during Pregnancy Influences Neonatal Behaviour: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial
Ravindra Arya1, Maya Chansoria, Ramesh Konanki
1Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, MLC 2015, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
International Journal of Pediatrics
|April 21, 2012
Summary
Antenatal music exposure positively impacts newborn behavior. Infants whose mothers listened to music during pregnancy showed significantly better performance on key developmental assessments, particularly in orientation and habituation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Behavioral Science
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Prenatal experiences can influence neonatal development.
- The impact of maternal music exposure during pregnancy on infant behavior requires further investigation.
- Understanding factors that promote optimal newborn behavior is crucial for early development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of antenatal music exposure on the behavior of term newborns.
- To assess neonatal behavior using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS).
- To determine if maternal music listening during pregnancy influences specific newborn behavioral clusters.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, randomized, open-label controlled trial was conducted.
- Primigravida mothers were randomized to either standard antenatal care plus daily music exposure or standard care alone.
- Newborn behavior was assessed using the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS).
Main Results:
- Infants of mothers exposed to music during pregnancy performed significantly better on 5 out of 7 BNBAS clusters.
- The most significant improvements were observed in the orientation (Effect Size 1.13) and habituation (Effect Size 1.05) clusters.
- A total of 126 newborns were assessed in the music group and 134 in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal music exposure to mothers significantly and favorably influences neonatal behavior.
- Music intervention during pregnancy appears to be a beneficial factor for newborn behavioral development.
- The findings suggest a positive link between maternal antenatal music listening and enhanced neonatal behavioral outcomes.
