The Effect of Nature‑Based Sound Therapy on Apgar Score after Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

Background: Non‑pharmacological methods, either independently or in combination with pharmacological methods, are increasingly used for pain prevention and management. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Nature‑Based Sound Therapy (NBST) on Apgar score after Cesarean Section (CS) under Spinal Anesthesia (SA). Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted from April to December, 2020. Participants were 92 candidates for elective CS under SA conveniently selected from Motahhari hospital, Jahrom, Iran. They were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 46) and an NBST group (n = 46). Participants in the NBST group listened to nature‑based sounds from twenty minutes before entering the operating room to the time of childbirth using an MP3 player and a headphone. Neonatal Apgar score was measured at minutes 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 after birth. Results: There were no significant differences between the study groups respecting participants’ demographic characteristics (P > 0.05). The mean of 1‑minute Apgar score in the NBST group was significantly more than the control group (P = 0.003). Conclusions: NBST is effective in significantly improving Apgar score after CS under SA and can be used to improve neonatal outcomes.