Listening to music may significantly improve the wellbeing of mothers during pregnancy and birth, according to new research from James Cook University (JCU).
The study, published in Music Perception, found that music listening enhances their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing, offering a simple, accessible way to support women during pregnancy and labour.
"In Australia, one in five mothers experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the first year after birth," said JCU psychology lecturer Dr Amanda Krause, who worked on the study with students Kaila Putter and Leah Chrisp.
"That can affect not only a mother's wellbeing, but also bonding, infant development and physical health.
"Mothers need support that's effective, affordable and easy to access during what is a major life transition. We focused on music because it's something most people already do - you can listen anytime, anywhere."
The researchers reviewed international studies, examining how music listening influences maternal wellbeing and whether genre or listening time affected outcomes.
The strongest findings during pregnancy showed music reduces stress and anxiety, strengthens prenatal bonding, improves sleep, and helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Benefits were also evident for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, including those with pre-hypertension.
Dr Krause said what surprised them the most was the impact of music listening during labour.
"We expected music might help with pain, but we also saw that music could shorten early stages of labour, speed up its progression, and even increase the likelihood of vaginal delivery - reducing the need for caesarean sections," she said.
The review also found benefits did not require long listening periods.
"You don't have to listen for a million hours to experience the benefits. It seems like even short 15-30 mins listening can have really positive results," said Dr Krause.
A wide range of musical styles were associated with positive outcomes, suggesting no single genre is required.
"The key message is that mothers can choose music they enjoy," said Dr Krause.
"Having that choice - especially during labour, when so much feels outside your control - may be part of why it's so effective. It gives women a way to focus on something positive and familiar."
Dr Krause said while more research is needed, the findings position music listening as a low-cost, non-pharmacological addition to maternity care.
"Music is already part of everyday life. We don't necessarily have to go out of our way to use it as a tool to support health and wellbeing," she said.
"It could be particularly valuable for women in regional and remote areas who have less access to services.
"Music won't replace doctors or midwives, but it can be an informal, accessible layer of support alongside clinical care."
This research forms part of The Bamboo Program, a JCU initiative supporting first-time mothers in North Queensland.
