Ok...being induced. I was induced with my first because I was a couple of weeks overdue so I had no idea what to expect. Look, it hurt..a lot. But then you get that. I had my waters broken...which was done by my doctor with a hook thing on the end of his surgical glove. That is uncomfortable but not painful. My contractions began pretty much straight away, but then they hooked me up to the drip. They started me off slow, but as my contractions got stronger they turned it up. I did not have an epidural, however with my second I did have one because I had to have him by C section for medical reasons. There is no shame in wanting an epidural if the pain is too much, however do be aware that some women do experience lower back complications afterwards...my back has not been the same since. I can only explain contractions like waves of pain. Try to have some music or something to focus on. Maybe some games or crosswords or stuff to concentrate on while the contractions aren't too bad. The gas is good for some...it made me throw up. The pethadine made me sleepy. I found kneeling and leaning up over the bed, which was on a steep angle, helpful, and I spent a lot of time in the shower. I was in labour for 8 hours before having to go and have a Csection. Luke was having dramas. I was assured after the fact, that this was nothing to do with being induced and just because he got stuck - I have an odd shaped pelvis. I dont tell you this to scare you but because no one had warned me about possible problems and I freaked at the time. I had a very rose coloured view of giving birth and I think if people hadnt tried to protect me so much then I would have handled it all so much better. They say knowledge is power. I think when you go in on Monday, go in with no expectations or as few as possible. Everyone's experience is totally different, as is their afterbirth and child raising experiences. Expect it to hurt but try to focus on the beautiful little bundle you will get handed to you at the end. The pain becomes just a hazy memory. Goodluck with Monday. I hope this has helped and I haven't completely freaked you out - that wasn't my intention. I hope you let me know how it all goes and if you need any advice or just want to talk after or before, by all means drop me a line on here. Take care
Mum to 4yr old and 16mth old boys