Fetal Response to Mozart’s Music

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether fetal arm movements change when music is presented to the mother or directly to the fetus through the mother’s lower abdomen, and whether maternal mood influences changes in fetal arm movements. Methods: Using a diagnostic ultrasound apparatus, fetal arm movements were measured in 47 pregnant women in the 35-36th week of pregnancy. Subjects were divided into two groups: a maternal presentation group, in which the mothers listened to music through headphones; and a fetal presentation group, in which music was presented directly to the fetus through headphones placed on the mother’s abdomen. Fetal arm movements were observed and recorded by ultrasound for a total of 10 min (5 min without music followed by 5 min with music). The music used was Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major, K. 448. The Profile of Mood States–Brief Form (POMS) was used to investigate the influence of maternal mood on fetal arm movements. Results: In the maternal presentation group, changes in fetal arm movement did not differ between mothers with different moods. In the fetal presentation group, fetal arm movements increased when the mother was energetic and decreased when the mother lacked energy. Fetal arm movement also decreased when the mother had a high level of fatigue and increased when the mother had a low level of fatigue. Conclusion: Presenting music directly to the fetus while the mother is relaxed has the potential to increase fetal response to the music and may possibly promote fetal well-being.