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Listening for Relaxation

The Benefits of Audio Therapy During Pregnancy and Childbirth

By Carma Haley Shoemaker

A small amount of stress is good for us. It keeps us attentive, letting us know that we are functioning on an acceptable level. However, when you're pregnant, stress is not good for the mother – or the baby.

According to the Fetal and Neonatal Stress Research Group (FNSRG), maternal stress or anxiety during pregnancy can affect the development of the fetus. Based on research from the FNSRG, the effects of maternal stress can be measured by what is referred to as the "stress" hormone: cortisol.

"The group has demonstrated, through measuring the level of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the umbilical cord, that enough of the maternal stress hormone cortisol crosses the placenta to affect the development of the fetus," says Vivette Glover, the London, England-based FNSRG spokeswoman. "Stress experienced by the fetus can have long-term effects on the baby. For example, the study shows that maternal antenatal anxiety doubles the risk for hyperactivity in boys. We have also shown, using Doppler ultrasound, that the most anxious mothers have impaired blood flow through the uterine arteries. This could help to explain why mothers who are very anxious while pregnant tend to have smaller babies."

According to Nancy Hopps, author of the audio guide Relaxation for Expectant Mothers, anticipation as well as actual events can trigger stress reactions. Instead of letting undirected worry increase stress, pregnant women and new mothers should partake in some type of relaxation technique to reduce the effects of stress.

Two of the most common forms of auditory relaxation are "guided" and "natural." Guided relaxation occurs when music and/or sounds are played while a calm, soothing voice guides you to relaxation with his or her words. Natural relaxation includes sounds such as a waterfall, whale, dolphin, rain, birds or wind. These sounds are a soothing way to drown out external stimuli, allowing you to relax.

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