Retrospective Analysis of the Application Effect of Music Therapy Combined with Psychotherapy on the Labor Process and Delivery Outcome of Primiparas

This study analyzed the influence of music therapy combined with psychotherapy on the labor process and delivery outcomes in primiparous women. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 120 primiparous women who delivered at the People's Hospital of Nanchang City and the First People's Hospital of Jingdezhen between June 2021 and April 2024. Participants were divided into three groups: the combined group (receiving both music therapy and psychotherapy), the psychotherapy group, and the conventional care group. The study compared perinatal outcomes, psychological status assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), childbirth self-efficacy measured by the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory (CBSEI-C32), and fear of childbirth evaluated using the Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire (CAQ) among the three groups. The durations of the first and second stages of labor were significantly shorter in the combined group than in the psychotherapy and conventional care groups (P < 0.05). At 24 hours postpartum, the combined group exhibited higher positive affect scores and lower negative affect scores on the PANAS compared to the other two groups (P < 0.05). At 24 hours postpartum, the combined group showed higher positive emotional scores and lower negative emotional score on the PANAS (P < 0.05) compared to the other groups. Additionally, the combined group demonstrated significantly higher outcome expectancy and self-efficacy scores on the CBSEI-C32, and lower CAQ scores, indicating reduced fear of childbirth (P < 0.05). Additionally, the combined group reported lower pain levels, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale at 3 cm cervical dilation and at full cervical dilation (P < 0.05). Neonates in the combined group had higher Apgar scores at 5 minutes post-delivery, and their mothers experienced reduced postpartum hemorrhage (P < 0.05). The integration of music therapy with psychotherapy during labor is effective in alleviating labor pain, enhancing psychological well-being, reducing fear and psychological stress associated with childbirth, improving delivery outcomes, and minimizing adverse maternal and neonatal events.