Active music-making in the perinatal period: impact on mental health and wellbeing.

The benefits of musical engagement for mental health and wellbeing are well-cited in academic literature. In the last decade music listening has been used as an intervention for women experiencing anxiety or depression during the perinatal period (pregnancy to 1 year post-birth), yet few studies have considered active music participation for mothers.

This project includes a longitudinal intervention to study the effects of active music participation in the perinatal period on maternal mental health. With 10-20% of women experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression, and an increase during COVID-19, it is timely and necessary to examine non-pharmacological interventions for maternal wellbeing.