The Effect of Vibroacoustic Stimulation and Music on Fetal Movement

Abstract

<em>Introduction</em> <br/>Fetal movement started at the 7th weeks of pregnancy and by the end of pregnancy will gradually be perfect and harmonious. Near-term fetuses can discriminate acoustic features, such as frequencies and spectra, and process complex auditory streams. In this study, we aimed to evaluate fatal movement in response to music and vibration stimulation. <br/><em>Materials and Methods</em> <br/>This study is a clinical trial that was conducted in two groups and two-steps. Participants were pregnant women (primigravida) who have referring to the Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Isfahan during 2013 to receive routine prenatal care. The 64 pregnant women (32-36 weeks) were randomly assigned to the groups of Vibroacoustic stimulation (n= 32) and Music (n=32). They were stimulated immediately after the first non stress test and before the second test. The researchers' evaluated and analyzed possible changes in non-stress test results using SPSS software version 20. <br/><em>Results</em> <br/>Mean age of the subjects in vibroacoustic group and in music group were (25.5±2.6) (24.9±4.4) respectively. Paired t-test showed there was no relationship between the average number of acceleration of the fetal heart rate before and after the intervention (P>0.05).<br/>On the other hand, there was a significant correlation between the average number of fetal movements in the music group before and after the intervention (P<0.05). <br/><em>Conclusion</em><br/>Mothers listen to music has led to increase their perception of fetal movements and increased number of fetal movements. So perhaps the music can use for the evaluation of fetal movement in high-risk mothers or mothers who complain of decreased fetal movements. As a result, the music may be used as a tool for assessment of fetal well-being.