MELODY MEDICINE

How music can improve your health. This week: Eases pain of childbirth JUST listening to music can make the pain of childbirth more manageable, found a 2020 study published by the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

In a study of 30 women, those who listened to music had less pain and anxiety throughout labour compared to women who had no music.

Almost all who listened to music reported positive effects in as soon as 60 minutes. Using a pain scale from 0 (no pain) to ten (unbearable pain), the music group reported an average score of 8.8, compared to 9.8 in the non-music group.

Previous studies have found music can calm the central nervous system, particularly the areas that perceive pain.

It also helps to listen to familiar tunes, the researchers noted, as they can provide comfort in an otherwise unfamiliar environment.