Hi Yummy Mummy
I know exactly how you feel - my first was 10 days 'overdue' and my 2nd 6 days.
I had sweeps with both and I believe they only work if you are ready to go into labour anyway. First time I didn't, 2nd I was in labour within 2 hours of the sweep.
I have done a lot of research (studying as antenatal teacher) and it really is better to avoid induction no matter how fed up you get, unless there is a problem with your baby.
Dating scans can be unreliable and your baby just isn't ready yet - I know its hard when you've had a date in your head for 9 months when it comes and goes - which is why in some places you get a 'best before date' of 42 weeks instead of a due date of 40 weeks.
The average first time mother births at 41 and a half weeks, 75% will have birthed by 42 weeks and almost everyone by 43. The baby after 42 weeks is as safe (some say safer) receiving extra checks as he or she is from being induced.
Babies put down a store of energy called glycogen in their liver just before labour starts naturally and this gives them much more chance of staying well through labour.
Induced contractions are much more painful because they are stronger but less effective at opening your cervix. They also come on very quickly usually and don't give you time to adjust to the build-up.
You are likely to need a drip in the back of your hand which is not nice at all and will have a monitor round you through your whole labour.
You are then much more likely to want an epidural to deal with all that which in turn makes you 2-3 times more likely to need a caesarean or ventouse/forceps birth.
I honestly do remember how hard the wait is - but you will be much more sore and exhausted from an induced labour than you are now and more than if you wait for your baby to be ready.
I hope that helps - please do wait - the hospital shouldn't induce you until you are 12 days late anyway (that is the guideline) unless there is something medically wrong.
Try lots of walking, especially up and down stairs, eating curry and having sex (if you have a partner!)
Good luck x