38 Weeks Pregnant & Not Dilated: Understanding Induction Concerns

Question
Thank you for your quick reply. It does make a lot of sense to me, being that it is my first pregnancy and all.
It worries me that my ob wants to speed things up, her reason is that the baby will be too big if we wait, and I'm somewhat of a petite woman. So she thinks we'll have problems with getting the baby out.
I told the doctor I would like to have a natural childbirth, so I do not know if getting induced would lower my chance of a natural childbirth?
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Followup To
Question -
Hi.
I am 38 weekd pregnant, and I just had a checkup. My ob said I am not dilating yet, and the baby has not dropped. She said if nothing happens by next week's checkup that she will give me medication to start contractions. I am scared, because I would like to have my baby naturally. This is my first baby, and I  am wondering if everything is ok. Is there anything I can do to speed up the dilation process?
Answer -
If this is your first pregnancy, and you are only 38 weeks gestation, you do not have to be induced if you do not go into labor by next week. You can wait until you go into labor on your own. If there is no start of labor by 41 weeks, you should have a non stress test and a biophysical profile, and, if the baby is fine, you can wait until 42 weeks to start labor. If no contractions start by 42 weeks, you should be induced at that time. Labor will start when you have contractions at the level of your belly button every three minutes (from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction) and each contraction remains hard for 45 seconds. There is no reason to speed up the process, but you can by walking around a bit. Good Luck to you.

Answer
When we induce labor, it increases the risks of having to perform a cesarean section. It is better to wait until you go into labor on your own. There is no reason to induce your labor even if you are petite and the baby may be large. You deserve a chance to try to deliver naturally. If the baby is too big or does not descend, you will have a cesarean in any case. Why not try to deliver vaginally if it is possible. If the heartbeat is fine and the baby is doing well, you do not have to be induced until 42 weeks gestational age.