Efek Terapi Musik terhadap Kadar Serotonin dan Nyeri Bersalin pada Pasien Inpartu Kala 1 Fase Aktif
Effect of Music Therapy on Serotonin Levels and Labor Pain in Women in the First Stage of Active Labor
Abstract
Background: Labor pain is one of the most intense types of pain experienced by humans and
may negatively affect the mother’s physiological and psychological condition. One non-
pharmacological method proven to be effective in reducing labor pain is music therapy. Music
is believed to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter
that plays an important role in the regulation of pain and emotions. This study aimed to
analyze the effect of music therapy on serotonin levels and pain intensity in women in the first
stage of active labor.
Methods: This was an analytical experimental study with a pretest–posttest control group
design. The subjects were pregnant women undergoing the first stage of active labor at Prof.
Dr. CPL USU Hospital and Dr. Pirngadi Hospital, Medan. Participants were divided into two
groups: an intervention group that received music therapy and a control group without music
therapy. Serotonin levels were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
(ELISA) method, while pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: There was a significant decrease in VAS scores after music therapy compared to the
control group (p < 0.05). Serotonin levels increased significantly after music therapy
compared to baseline (p < 0.05), while no significant change was observed in the control
group. Additionally, the duration of the first stage of active labor was shorter in the music
therapy group than in the control group.
Conclusion: Music therapy is effective in increasing serotonin levels and reducing labor pain
intensity among women in the first stage of active labor. Music can serve as a safe, simple,
and effective non-pharmacological method for pain management during labor.
Keywords: Music therapy, Serotonin, Labor pain, First stage of active labor