In November 2019 researchers from Germany published the results of their study to assess the influence of music on anxiety and stress of the expectant mother during a caesarian section. A total of 304 women were included in the study. The women were divided into groups and listened to music via loudspeakers from one of four self-selected genres or had standard treatment without music. On admission, at skin incision, during skin suture and two hours following the caesarian, salivary cortisol/amylase, heart rate and blood pressure levels were collected and anxiety levels assessed. Results showed that those who listened to music experienced significantly lower anxiety levels at skin suture and two hours following completion of the procedure. In addition, improved levels of salivary cortisol/amylase, heart rate and blood pressure were observed from admission to skin suture in those who listened to music.
Hepp P et al. Effects of music intervention during caesarean delivery on anxiety and stress of the mother a controlled, randomised study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2018 Nov 3;18(1):435.