A Comparative Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Musical Therapy and Breathing Exercises in Relieving Pain During First Stage of Labour among Primi Mothers Admitted in Labour Room in Selected Maternity Hospital, Hyderabad

Y. Nathalina Deepika

Abstract: Motherhood is a profound experience, accompanied by both immense joy and physical challenges such as labour pain. Effective, non-pharmacological interventions are essential to manage pain and promote a positive childbirth experience. This study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of music therapy and breathing exercises in relieving labour pain among primi mothers during the first stage of labour. A quantitative, quasi-experimental design was adopted. Sixty primi mothers were selected using purposive sampling and assigned to either the music therapy or breathing exercise group. Pain intensity was measured before and after intervention using a structured pain assessment tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-tests and chi-square tests. Results showed a significant reduction in pain levels post-intervention in both groups (p<0.05). Music therapy was found to be slightly more effective than breathing exercises in reducing pain intensity. The study concludes that both music therapy and breathing exercises are effective, safe, non-pharmacological methods for labour pain relief, with music therapy demonstrating greater effectiveness.

Keywords: Labour Pain, Music Therapy, Breathing Exercises, Primi Mothers, Non-pharmacological Interventions