A groundbreaking clinical trial conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) in Mohali has delivered promising results for expectant mothers. The study found that listening to Indian instrumental music during the first stage of labour can significantly reduce the perception of pain, offering a natural and accessible form of relief.
The Melody of Relief: How the Trial Was Conducted
The research, a randomized controlled trial, involved 200 pregnant women admitted for normal vaginal delivery at AIMS, Mohali. These participants were carefully divided into two groups of 100 each. The intervention group was provided with headphones to listen to a curated playlist of Indian instrumental music, including ragas like Yaman and Bhairavi, played at a low volume of 40 decibels. This musical intervention was administered for 30 minutes during the active phase of the first stage of labour. The control group, in contrast, received standard care without any musical accompaniment.
To measure the outcomes objectively, pain intensity was assessed using the universally recognized Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Researchers recorded pain scores at multiple intervals: at the beginning of the study, immediately after the 30-minute music session, and again 30 minutes after the music had stopped. The design ensured a clear comparison between the two groups.
Striking a Chord with Significant Results
The findings of the trial were both clear and compelling. Women in the group that listened to music reported a statistically significant reduction in their pain scores. The data revealed that the mean pain score difference before and after the intervention was markedly greater in the music group compared to the control group. Overall, the trial concluded that Indian instrumental music led to an approximate 20% reduction in the intensity of labour pain.
This reduction is clinically meaningful. By lowering the acute perception of pain, the music therapy intervention directly addresses one of the primary fears associated with childbirth. The study posits that music acts as a distractor, diverting the brain's attention away from pain signals, and may also promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, thereby modulating the pain experience.
Harmonizing Care: Implications for Maternal Health
The implications of this research are substantial for maternal healthcare in India and beyond. Led by Dr. Sunita Thakur, Dr. Ritu Singh, and Dr. Shaveta Sood from the AIMS OBG department, the study provides robust evidence for a non-pharmacological, cost-effective, and culturally resonant method of pain management. Unlike epidurals or other analgesic drugs, music has no known side effects for the mother or the newborn, making it an exceptionally safe option.
This approach aligns well with the growing movement towards holistic and patient-centered care during labour. Integrating such music therapy into standard labour room protocols could empower women, giving them an active tool to manage their experience. It can be particularly valuable in settings where access to advanced medical pain relief is limited. The success of this trial paves the way for broader adoption and further research into specific ragas and their therapeutic potentials in medical settings.
In conclusion, the AIMS Mohali trial successfully demonstrates that the ancient melodies of Indian classical music hold modern therapeutic power. By significantly easing labour pangs, this simple intervention has the potential to make the profound journey of childbirth a more positive and manageable experience for countless women.
