OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of music in reducing pain, shortening the active phase of labor, and minimizing oxytocin use during labor.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

POPULATION: Included were 70 full term pregnant women in labor who were admitted in the hospital from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010.

METHODS: This study compared patients admitted in the initial phase of active labor who were given a combination of 4 slow tempo music and 20 fast paced music during labor (Group A) and those who did not receive any (Group B). Assessed in this study were: degree of pain perceived as measured with the Universal Pain Assessment Tool (UPAT), the duration of the active phase of labor, and the need for uterotonic agents among patients who develop protracted labor. The progress of labor was plotted in Friedman's curve. Oxytocin augmentation was given if there was protracted labor in both groups.

RESULTS: Almost all of the subjects in the music group (90%) perceived only moderate pain (UPAT 4-6) compared to the control group (83%) which perceived severe pain (UPAT 7-8). There was a shorter mean duration of the active phase of labor in the music group (198.5±58.9) compared to the control group (303.8±79.6). Oxytocin was given to 14% of the music group compared to 51% of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that music could reduce pain during the active phase of labor as well as shortened it. Music can reduce the need for oxytocin augmentation.

Human ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Oxytocin ; Pain Measurement ; Music ; Labor, Obstetric ; Pain ; Time Factors