Music May Provide Therapeutic Benefits to Premature Infants

While not strictly personal injury-related, came across some fascinating research that showed music may reduce pain and improve behavioral states in premature infants. Specifically, a review of nine studies investigating the effects of music on premature babies found preliminary evidence for important therapeutic benefits. While some of the studies relied upon had methodological weaknesses and would need to be confirmed in more rigorous trials, many neonatal units are already using music to improve behavioral or physiological outcomes and to manage pain during common procedures. Benefits found include calmer infants and parents, stable physiological parameters, higher oxygen saturation, faster weight gain, and shorter hospital stays.

In short, music is something you might want to ask about at the hospital where one is scheduled to give birth.