Induction - what to expect

[LisaClapham]

I am going in to be induced this weekend. I am very anxious about it and unsure about what to expect as far as how things will progress and how much it will hurt. They are planning on starting with the gels on sunday evening with the plan (I think) to break my waters on Monday and then I hope fully go into labour.
I am 38 weeks at the moment and the baby is nearly 8lbs - the reson for the induction is that I am diabetic (so not allowed to go to full term). This is my first child and am very nervous about the whole experience.
Can anyone share their experiences of induction and what I can expect. Thank you.

Liahgen, the OP has Type 1 diabetes, not GD, so you do usually get induced at 38 weeks for good medical reasons. Am sure you could argue against if anti-induction feelings are really strong tho. Lisa, I was in same position, induced at Kings bc of Type 1 diabetes and it was all fine. You get put on an insulin drip, so it is all a bit medicalised, but totally worth it. Don't worry!

yeah Baconsarnie, I realised that after I posted.

Have spoken to her now, she has been to see cons today so hopefully she's got lots of info and can make informed decisions.

Hi Lisa, another induction here, yes it does hurt (a lot) for me it was from being so tired. Told all along would need electice c section due to bicornate uterus, Dd was transverse from about 34 weeks and back to back but I had heard many many sucessful cases of natural birth I fought (and really had to) for it. Booked for induction at 42 weeks (tue).

Labour started naturally so they did not give me any gel until luchtime, started to speed things up (got to 2cm) so another following morning. Walked miles and miles but just stuck at 3cm so another gel weds night. Thurs told needed c section but they were so busy had to just hang around. Now very tired and very grumpy.

I asked for one last try so waters broken (wierd feeling but no it does not hurt though when you see the size of the 'crochet hook' you will think it will!!) and put on drip. Contraction every 1-2 mins and was like being hit by a train. Agreed to epidural but it didn't work (I thought I must be right wimp until I found out it hadn't worked!) ex partner sent home at 10pm, by 1am fully dilated, lots of pushing, forcepts bad bad tearing very healthy 9lb 6 baby girl friday early hours.

Now she is 21 months and I could not care less about her birth, it was only a few days out of my life though I felt very upset about it all at the time. I know we are all telling you to relax it will be fine, it really will and good luck.