The present invention provides methods of preventing or reducing oxytocin-mediated action by using a thiazolidinedione, such as troglitazone, or thiazolidinedione-like compounds. These methods describe the employment of these compounds alone or in combination with at least one other agent, such as a tocolytic agent. This offers a novel therapeutic regimen for the treatment of oxytocin-mediated actions, for example induction of uterine contractions, prostaglandin release, and milk letdown. Accordingly, conditions such as preterm labor and labor prior to Caesarian delivery can be treated by these methods.