Music in Pregnancy to Improve Maternal Stress Resilience in Favor of the
Offspring: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Abstract Background: Maternal mental health influences
the metabolism and growth of fetal brain structures affecting their
skills up to adulthood. Objective: Main objective is whether
music interventions improve modifiable maternal health outcomes.
Search Strategy: Up to July 2023, randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) investigating music during pregnancy were identified using
MEDLINE, CENTRAL, WEB OF SCIENCE. Selection Criteria: Using
COVIDENCE reviewers screened for RCTs with >3 interventions
applying the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory
(STAI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), or blood pressure
(BP) as outcome measures. Data Collection and Analysis: The
revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB2) and the reversed Cohen’s d
were applied to investigate the impact of target groups, frequency, type
and selection of music programs. The review was registered via PROSPERO
CRD42022299950. Main Results: From 251 records, 14 RCTs (16
intervention arms) and 2375 pregnancies were included. Music
interventions varied from 3 to 84 active or passive music sessions per
pregnancy or 10 to 60 minutes per day and significantly decreased PSS in
2/4, STAI in 8/9, EPDS in 3/4 and BP in 3/4 RCTs. RoB2 was high in 5/14,
or “with concerns” in 9/14 studies. Stratifying the Cohen’s d in 14
interventions arms suggested a big effect in 234/469 mothers on BP, and
in 244/489 mothers on maternal anxiety. Conclusion: The
findings show the dretailed potential of music interventions on maternal
BP, stress resilience or anxiety complementing our research on complex
music interventions throughout pregnancy in times of pandemics, violent
conflicts, or natural catastrophes. Funding: Clara Angela
Foundation. Key words: Music in pregnancy, systematic review,
maternal stress, anxiety, and depression.