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I haven't had my baby yet, so no personal experience, but I will tell you that you'll be fine and it'll all be worth it in the end. Try not to stress yourself out now or feel fear because that will make the experience harder for you later tonight. Just know that millions of women get induced and are totally fine and their babies are born and grow up healthy. You'll be in the hospital which is the best possible place, and you'll be surrounded by professionals that are there to keep you safe. Congratulations on your upcoming baby!!!

I was induced and it was fine. Healthy baby via vaginal delivery.

I'm not sure how much choice you have in the matter, but a few things I learned during my labor/delivery.

I started pitocin at 7am when I was 1cm and fully effaced. They increased the amount of pitocin every 30 minutes until I was on the max dose because I was just having light contractions every few minutes. I paid for that later! My water hadn't broken and there really wasn't a need to rush things, and once all that pitocin in my body really started working, I had non-stop intense contractions with 15 second to no break in between. If you can, don't have them increase the dose of pitocin every 30 minutes, give it time to get in your system and do its job.

They unhooked the IV when I took a break from the pitocin around 4pm. I thought labor was going to stall out, but opted to get in the tub (best.idea.ever!!) Changing position, walking around, and getting in the tub helped me to relax and the contractions picked back up on their own because of the all the pitocin in my system. Pitocin is not an on or off switch, so if you can, make sure they don't overdo it. If I had to do it over again, I would have requested they up the dose every 60-90 minutes instead of ever 30 minutes.

I drank water, apple juice and gatorade during labor, so I didn't have to be hooked to an IV for fluids. I didn't get fluids via IV until about 2am when I asked for pain meds (a spinal block). They had to run a full bag of fluid before I could get the meds.

They have wireless monitors so you can walk around even while tied to the IV. When you are on pitocin they want to monitor you continuously, so those are great to be able to walk around or change positions without getting stuck in bed.

But like I said, I was induced, had a 23 hour labor with 3 hours of pushing. I had a 10lb 9 oz healthy baby boy. We all healed well and everything was great.

I'm sure you'll do awesome and soon you'll have your LO in your arms!

Yay for a baby coming soon, congrats and good luck!

I was induced by a catheter, and then they broke my water. I didn't get pit until I had an epi. Don't worry too much, they know what they're doing. Relaxing was key!

I agree with @tina- you should have a very large meal before you go to the hospital. Once they admininster the medicine, you can't eat. I didn't heed this warning and I was so sad! By the time I was able to eat, I was stuck with hospital food.

Other than that, try to just relax and be present in the experience. You'll be just fine. Good luck!

Good luck clementine!

I did not want to be induced either. I wanted an all natural, unmediated birth, and ended up needed every drug in the book to get things moving. The best remark my midwife said to me during my disappointment was "did you not push that baby out all on your own? Then you had the natural birth you wanted". She was right. Things didn't go how I imagined, but I still gave birth to a healthy little boy in the end and that's all that mattered! Rest and try not to think about it. Everything happens for a reason.

I was suddenly induced as well. Good luck! It will be okay! They gave me pitocin and had to ripen my cervix since it wasn't dilated that much. I had what was called a foley catheter (catheter with an uninflated balloon attached at the end, that they inflate once they insert into you). This was the most unpleasant part but once that is over, the process is just a waiting game.

Try to relax and take your mind off of it. Induction can take a long time so it's best not to worry or stress. Keep yourself busy whether it be TV or talking to your partner, reading a book or surfing the internet.

good luck!!

@Clementine: ooo I hope you have a beautiful new baby by now!!!

Yay! Congrats Clementine!!! The first 3 months are the hardest but it gets better over time. Hang in there!

@Clementine: congrats! welcome to parenthood!! hang in there during the newborn period! what helped me a lot was connecting with other exhausted mommies ...we are here if you need anything!