Oxytocin and Oxytocinase in the Obese and Nonobese Parturients during Induction and Augmentation of Labor

Objective  To investigate differences in oxytocin (OXT) biodistribution between nonobese and obese parturients during labor. Study Design  Patients with body mass index (BMI) of either ≥ 18 ≤ 24.9 kg/m ² ("nonobese") or ≥ 30 kg/m ² ("obese") undergoing elective induction of labor were included ( N  = 25 each). Blood samples were collected at baseline (T ₀ ), and 20 minutes after maximal OXT augmentation or adequate uterine contractions (T ₁ ) …