In April 2019 researchers from Taiwan and the USA published their review of the medical scientific literature to assess the effect of music on the management of pain and anxiety in first time mothers during labour. A total of five studies involving 392 women were included in the review, of whom 197 listened to music and 195 received routine care. Results showed that compared to routine care, listening to music during labour appeared to significantly reduce pain scores and anxiety levels in first time mothers.
Chuang CH et al. Music intervention for pain and anxiety management of the primiparous women during labour: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Adv Nurs. 2019 Apr;75(4):723-733