Help! Induction with 'non-ripe'/completely closed cervix? Anyone else?

[Allosaur]

I'm getting induced in a few days (38+3) but my cervix is high and completely closed, a sweep is unlikely and so is a balloon, sadly but I'm not 100%. I've read that it can be a longer/rougher induction if they have to 'prepare' the cervix so looking to hear about anyone else's experience as I'm a bit nervous. Thank you x

My waters partially broke with my son but never went into active labour. Was 37 weeks 5 days. I had to be induced as he had barely any waters. They done that 24 hours after my waters had broke. (Waters broke around 2/3pm Friday, induced around 2pm Saturday) it was a long journey, I finally gave birth at 18:39 on Sunday so quite a long labour but nothing was hurting much until the Sunday morning, even that was bareable until about Sunday lunchtime was when I insisted they give me drugs NOW. They gave me paracetamol and codiene and that was all I had the entire labour, gas and air makes me vomit. My body definitely wasn't ready to give birth at all, it was very slow until all of a sudden I was 10cms out of nowhere (was still 3cm a few hours prior). He also took hours to be pushed out as he had his cord round his neck twice 🤦🏼‍♀️.

But for such a long labour it could have been worse! Just wanted to warn you it may take a while as your body isn't ready but I promise the pain was bareable for most of the time.

My son just turned 5 and is perfectly healthy and full of energy! It's all worth it in the end x

This was me with both pregnancies. Inductions started at 37 weeks with a high, closed, posterior cervix (or as closed as it could be the second time around). Both babies hadn't dropped either. I had gel pessaries with both. First time because that was standard for my trust. Second because baby was high which is a contraindication for the balloon.

First time induction, two rounds of gels got me to 1cm. Should have had a second set the next day, but the labour suite was virtually empty, so I got sent down anyway. ARM did sod all to start contractions, so had the drip. Cracked on nicely on gas + air, until 5cm where I had some diamorphine. Just as it was wearing off I was fully dilated and started pushing. 20 minutes later I was holding my baby. A mere 32 hours from the first pessary. The whole experience was chef's kiss.

Second time, a single gel got me to 2cm, so no need further prep. Unfortunately due to a surge of labouring women that week, the continuation of the induction was delayed for 4 days. Very frustrating, but it was what it was. Once it was finally go time, ARM (once again) did naff all so had the drip. Long story short, baby was back to back and had tipped his head back, meaning there was poor contact between his head and my cervix, despite contracting nicely. As a result, dilation was slooooow. In the same amount of time on the drip with DC1 to go from 1 to 10cm, with DC2 I went from 2 to 5cm.... I had an epidural after that, as who knew how long 5-10 would take. Second babies are quicker and easier my ass.... Anyway, I had a C-section once DC2 started showing distress, still at 5cm. Not particularly what I wanted, but it wasn't so bad. I don't blame the induction btw, it was just a stroke of bad luck baby got into a bad position. Same would have happened with a natural labour.

Best of luck to you.