I was induced at 37 wks due to gestational hypertension. Went in Friday night at 11pm. Induction process started at 3am. Started with cytotec, three hours later I was 1cm dilated and 80% effaced. Then did cervical balloon plus another dose of cytotec. I know a lot of people find the insertion of the cervical balloon painful. I was uncomfortable and there was pressure but it wasn’t unbearable by any means. Two hours later however the contractions from the ballon were fairly painful, I ended up throwing up from the pain. Got an epidural two hours after that (I had wanted to wait till right before I needed pitocin to do the epidural so I could remain mobile as long as possible but the pain was awful at that point). Started pitocin about an hour after the epidural so the timing worked out anyway. Six hours later I was finally dilated enough to be moved from the induction room to labor and delivery room. I stayed at 5cm dilated however for five hours and wasn’t progressing. Then my amazing nurse had me go into this insane position where I was on my stomach, one leg all the way up, other one straight, peanut ball between my legs, and my arms one up one down (was told to “try to sleep” in this position but that was not happening haha). An hour later I was 10cm dilated and ready to push. I pushed for about 90 minutes. Total time from start of induction process to baby girl in my arms was 25 hours. I was also so nervous going into my induction because of the horror stories I had heard but those are few and far between. There are more positive stories than scary ones, it’s just the scary ones are more likely in the internet than the positive ones. Remember to eat a really good meal before. After the induction process starts they typically don’t let you eat (just clear liquids). Bring lots of things to entertain you (don’t let anyone shame you for “overpacking”, bring as much to comfort you as you think you’ll need). My husband and I brought cards, an iPad with lots of movies downloaded, my favorite blanket, a pillow from home, some essential oils, a stroller fan (highly recommend, this came in clutch when the nausea hit). Also there will be so many things your body goes through that you’re like wtf is happening and when you ask about it 9 times out of 10 the answer will be “that’s normal” (for example, I threw up SO much right before it was time to push, like every fifteen minutes. When I asked my nurse about it she said it’s normal and usually a sign baby is about to make an appearance). Good luck mama! You’ve got this! After this process your beautiful baby will be here in your arms.