The effect of music therapy on non‐stress test results and anxiety levels in high‐risk pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial

AimThis study was conducted to determine the effects of music therapy on non‐stress test results and anxiety levels in high‐risk pregnant women.MethodsThis randomized controlled study was conducted in pregnant women who were hospitalized in the High‐Risk Pregnancy Service of Meram Medical Faculty Hospital, Konya, Turkey, between April 1 and July 31, 2021. In the intervention group (n = 58), a 20‐min music therapy with ney sounds was performed, while in the control group (n = 58), routine care practices were applied. Hüseyni maqam of ney was selected, a melodic mode used by Turks for music therapy. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Non‐Stress Test Evaluation Form, and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory.ResultsAfter music therapy, the intervention group experienced increased mean acceleration (p = 0.010) and foetal movement rates (p < 0.001) while no such difference was observed in the control group. The state anxiety levels of pregnant women differed significantly between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that music therapy reduced state anxiety levels in pregnant women by a factor of 4.6 (p < 0.001).ConclusionBased on the findings, music therapy was found to enhance acceleration and foetal heart rate in high‐risk pregnant women while reducing state anxiety levels.