Just popped back to say thanks for all the good wishes after my horrid day; I felt quite emotional, reading the support of all you women I've never met! When you think about the ethos of Mumsnet generally (which I dislike, despite having learned some useful stuff on other threads), our thread does seem really special. Or are all ante-natal threads nice? Sorry, I forgot: no, we're the ones with horribly offensive titles and fairy-wairy dust!
Re induction: isn't it right that French women are given EDDs of 42 weeks, and therefore they have FAR fewer inductions than we do, as most pop on or before their due dates as a consequence? I think that's right.
Off to eat crumpets with far too much butter on. I can't stuff my face in quantity terms at the mo', but I am making up for it in white carbs!