Large Baby at 38 Weeks: Gestational Age & Monitoring - Expert Advice

Question
I am 25 I have two sons 2&3 and my last menstral was October 25 2003. I had posted a question a bit ago on large for gestational age they said the baby at 34 weeks was measuring large he was in 75th percentile and he wieghed 5lbs 5oz. They did  a follow ultrasound at 37 weeks gestation the baby is still measuring large at 7lbs 11 oz and already in the 90th percentile I am in the beginning of my 38th week. The doctor stressed that he would not want to do an induction until closer to my due date Aug. 3rd. Should I be pressing the fact for an induction considering I am only 2cm dialated and the baby head is not even engaged in the pelvis yet his head is kind on angled according to the sono tech. I am very nervouse about the size if i can have some feedback I would appreciate it.

Thank you

Answer
It is more important for the baby's lungs to be mature, than to worry about whether the baby is too big. Once the baby's lungs are mature (nearer your due date), an induction can be started, and, if there is failure to progress because the baby is too big, a cesarean section can be done. If the baby is large and a biophysical profile gives an estimated fetal weight (EFW) of greater than 9.5lbs, you can opt for an elective cesarean section to avoid the risk of shoulder dystocia and the accompanying Erb's Palsy. Anything less than 9.5lbs can be delivered vaginally. By now, at 38 weeks, the baby's lungs are probably mature. Since you are not due for another two weeks, there is no reason for the baby's head to be engaged or for you to go into labor yet. You are ahead of the game now because you are already 2cm dilated. HOwever, there is no reason for worry, at this time. Remember, estimated fetal weights by sonograms are often off by 1 lbs either way.