Alleviating distress during antepartum hospitalization: a randomized controlled trial of music and recreation therapy.
BACKGROUND
Pregnant women who are placed on hospitalized bed rest experience increased antepartum-related distress. We sought to examine the efficacy of a single session music or recreation therapy intervention to reduce antepartum-related distress among women with high-risk pregnancies experiencing extended antepartum hospitalizations.


METHODS
In a randomized, single-blinded study, participants (n = 80) received 1 hour of music or recreation therapy or were placed in an attention-control group. Antepartum-related distress was measured by the Antepartum Bedrest Emotional Impact Inventory, which was administered before and after the intervention and at a follow-up period between 48 and 72 hours.


RESULTS
Significant associations were found between the delivery of music and recreation therapy and the reduction of antepartum-related distress in women hospitalized with high-risk pregnancies. These statistically significant reductions in distress persisted over a period of up to 48-72 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Single session music and recreation therapy interventions effectively alleviate antepartum-related distress among high-risk women experiencing antepartum hospitalization and should be considered as valuable additions to any comprehensive antepartum program.
NorthShore University HealthSystem, Perinatal Family Support Center, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Constance L
CL
Bauer
David
D
Victorson
Sarah
S
Rosenbloom
Joshua
J
Barocas
Richard K
RK
Silver
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001510:Bed Rest; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D057173:Recreation Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D057832:Watchful Waiting; D055815:Young Adult