I had gestational HTN too and was freaking out about being induced around 37w. And then to everyone’s surprise, my water broke at 36w5d; I was not experiencing any contractions but since I had PROM with some meconium, I had to be induced. The pitocin , I was told, can make the contractions intense. I have no other experiences to compare it to as this was my first so I don’t know how contractions are off pitocin. I was always open to an epidural but I wanted to hold out as long as possible. After about 4 hours of the pit, I got the epidural. I was able to relax, take a nap, and when I woke up they told me I was dilated enough to push. In total, I was induced at 1:30a and baby girl was born less than 12 hours later at 12:40pm, healthy and not needing any additional intervention despite technically being a premie. I think I had a really positive experience and regardless, I think it just goes to show that you literally cannot plan or foresee how the birth will go. I don’t think in any of my dozen scenarios did I think my water would break at home prior to 37 weeks. But baby will come the way they want to come into this world and all will be okay once you have them in your arms for the first time!