I had my daughter on March 28, we had an induction scheduled on the 27th at exactly 39 weeks. Best decision ever! I had been 1.5 cm dialated for a few weeks and came in 80% effaced, they said that was a good sign but prepare for a long induction process and lots of waiting.

At 7:30 they inserted the foley balloon catheter into my cervix to dialate me. That HURT! I started having contractions irregularly right away, they said because of the catheter doing its job and it shocking my body. The contractions were way more painful then i was expecting. (I guess I expected just cramping)

They increased alot over the next hour so the nurse came into check me and I was 5 cm!! The catheter obviously came out.

They said that now the catheter was out my body would probably calm down and stall and we would wait 3 hours to start pitocin to get things going.

Well... That did NOT happen. I started having more contractions over the next two and a half hours that got stronger and regular.

They came in and checked me again due to the consistency and strength and I was in active labor!

They broke my water and said this will get things going...

Well it sure did! I started having intense contractions immediately after that were 2-3 minutes apart. Wow. It didn't gradually build it just was INTENSE!!

I lasted over an hour then got an epidural. My hospital gives the option of having a "light" epidural. So I still felt every contraction, and the building pressure. I could move easily and wasn't numb. (They didn't allow me to get out of bed though) the epidural just took away the crazy pain.

So my husband got some sleep and then at about 2:50 AM I felt intense pressure and I was at 10cm!

The doctor came in at 3:07 and I pushed her out at 3:15am!

So the whole labor starting from the catheter was 7 and a half hours. The only induction thing I needed was the catheter and my body did the rest.

I also didn't tear, and was able to use the bathroom and poop a few hours later and only had mild discomfort.

It's 6 days later and I am just wearing liners because I have very minimal bleeding and I'm not in any pain. I am still taking it easy because I don't want to overdo it but OMG.

I am shocked at how it went. Not what I or my doctor was expecting for a FTM getting induced! I am so grateful and amazed at that experience.