Integrating Music Therapy Into Antepartum Care: A Humanistic Approach to the Perinatal Continuum

Inpatient antepartum hospitalization may be warranted for a variety of reasons during pregnancy and can be associated with distinct psychological stressors, anxiety, and increased vulnerability to mental health challenges. Prolonged hospitalization during pregnancy can create an emotional burden that is not always addressed by medical care alone. Music therapy may serve as a valuable adjunct to care for patients in the hospital who are pregnant, offering trauma-informed psychosocial support through a musical, relational lens. In this manuscript, we explore how music therapy may address emotional containment and expression, offer nonpharmacological pain management, foster parental-fetal attunement, and provide continuity across the perinatal continuum. As awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders continues to expand, integrating music therapy into inpatient perinatal care models may enhance patient-centered care, improve patient experience, and increase engagement with supportive services. We also discuss future implications for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and program development within hospital systems.