Exploring the Viability of M-health Therapy in Prenatal Care: Mobile Music In Focus

Background:During pregnancy, mental care affects fetal and maternal health. Approximately, 12 percent of women experience depression and 13 percent experience anxiety in pregnancy and delivery and one fifth of women suffer from these disorders even one year after pregnancy. Nowadays, with emerging electronic health or e-health new technologies, such as smart phones, the scene has been set for improving the circumstances under which it is possible to promote women s health. This study endeavored to explore the viability of mobile-health (m-health) in maternal mental care and propose wider range of m-health functionalities in this area.Methods:Mobile applications (apps) market was searched to identify viability of Music Therapy and m-health, in general, during prenatal care. In so doing, a total of 32 apps were included in this study.Results:The findings revealed that the apps contained classical and Mozart music and piano for prenatal care which have lifelong effects on mother and fetus.Conclusion:In effect, sedative nature of music apps has a favorable effect on meditation and sleep of pregnant women. Likewise, it reduces stress, anxiety, depression and consequences these bad traits bring. It also crosses the abdominal wall, leading to better fetal brain development and stimulation of the fetal memory. However, mobile is often used for non-interactive purposes, hospitals and midwives marketing, and its clinical utilization are much lower. Regarding the progresses in features of mobile devices, particularly in m-health, these potentials can be tapped into in prenatal mental care.Message for policymakers -maximum (100 words):Prenatal music therapy and mobile apps can provide a healthier stress-free birth experience, while reducing postpartum mental complications.

Keywords:

Prenatal Music Therapy , Prenatal Mental Care , M-Health.