This study evaluated whether listening to music during routine non-stress test (NST) monitoring affects fetal parameters and maternal psychological outcomes. NST is a common prenatal assessment, and some pregnant women may experience anxiety or negative emotions during the procedure. Music listening is a non-pharmacological approach that may improve emotional well-being and potentially influence fetal responses.
In this randomized controlled trial, pregnant women who attended an NST unit were assigned either to a music group that listened to music through headphones during NST monitoring or to a control group that received routine NST monitoring without music. Fetal parameters were assessed from NST recordings. Maternal anxiety, loneliness, and positive-negative affect were measured before and after the NST using validated questionnaires.
The results of this study aim to inform supportive prenatal care practices and evaluate whether music listening can be used as a simple intervention during NST monitoring.