Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the effect of maternal voice on neonates' pain caused by venipuncture (including peripheral venipuncture and femoral venipuncture) in Neonate Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Methods: We enrolled 62 neonates, randomized them into two groups (31 neonates in each group). The children in study group listened to a record of their mother's voice during venipuncture, while those in control group did not get these interventions. The Neonatal Infant Acute Pain Assessment Scale (NIAPAS) was used to evaluate the infants' pain level before, during and after the procedure. Results: Neonates in the study group had significantly lower NIAPAS scores, behavioral and physiological scores than those of infants in the control group before and during the procedure (P<0.05). Neonates in the treatment group had significantly lower NIAPAS scores and behavioral scores after the procedure (P<0.05). Conclusion: The maternal voice could relieve neonates' pain caused by venipuncture in NICU.

Key words: maternal voice; neonates; procedural pain