The Relationship Between Uterine Activity,Oxytocin Dosing,Labor Progress,and Mode of Birth in Nulliparas with Obesity: Minimal Usefulness of Montevideo Unit Measurement

Abstract

Background

Maternal obesity and cesarean birth disproportionately affect Black parturients; thus, prevention of cesarean birth is a key modifiable factor to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce disparities. The primary driver of unplanned cesarean birth among people with higher body mass index is prolonged labor duration. However, strategies to optimize outcomes in these situations have not been established. We aimed to evaluate the influence of oxytocin augmentation on uterine activity and labor progression in nulliparas with obesity.

Methods

This secondary analysis involved nulliparas with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) who had spontaneous labor onset followed by oxytocin augmentation and an intrauterine pressure catheter. Using Linear Mixed Models, we evaluated relationships between uterine activity measured in Montevideo units (MVU), oxytocin dose, and rate of cervical dilation normalized by labor duration.

Results

In this diverse sample (35.6% Caucasian, 16.11% African American, 40.2% Hispanic) of nulliparas with obesity (n = 87; BMI 35.54 ± 4.38 kg/m²), 31% ended labor with cesarean birth. Among those with vaginal birth, only 13% had MVU ≥200 prior to the final 2 hours of labor. MVUs were only minimally responsive to oxytocin dose and were not associated with labor progression nor birth route.

Conclusion

MVU measurements may not be useful to diagnose labor arrest in nulliparas with obesity. Optimizing care for birthing people with obesity is essential for improving perinatal outcomes and for reducing racial health disparities.

Keywords

labor dystocia uterine physiology cesarean delivery obesity montevideo units healthcare disparities

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