Does Music help during a Caesarian delivery?

Music during caesarean section
In this Cochrane review, the authors attempt to gain insight into the effects of music on mothers and infants during cesarean section.
First, the details.
1 study involving 76 women (64 women evaluated) who planned to have their babies delivered by caesarean section was identified.
The study was of poor quality.
And, the results.
Music was provided from the beginning of anesthesia to the end of surgery.
The women’s heart rates were reduced by about 7 beats/minute.
Birth satisfaction scores increased by 3.4 points on a 35-point scale when women listened to music.
Respiration rates and anxiety were not affected.
The study didn’t report infant outcomes.
The bottom line?The authors concluded, “The findings indicate that music during planned caesarean section under regional anesthesia may improve pulse rate and birth satisfaction score. However, the magnitude of these benefits is small.”
6/25/09 18:10 JR