I'm in the U.S. not sure how different the process would be in the UK, but I've been induced 4 times, and with each of mine, my cervix was soft enough, and I was dilated enough that they just used pitocin. Basically, it's an artificial form of oxytocin, which your body makes naturally for contractions. They hook it up to an IV, and it causes contractions. If your cervix isn't ripe enough, many Drs will use cervadil. It's a suppository type thing that they place next to the cervix. It will soften the cervix and help dilation. Many women will go into active labor with just that. There are other less used methods, but these are the most common. Some Drs want to break your water first thing, but I wouldn't recommended it. The sometimes the process goes faster, but because the water is no longer cushioning anything, it's much more painful. I don't let my dr break my water til I'm at least 6 cm. The process can take many hours, so it will most likely be a very long day for you. Make sure you eat a good meal the night before, try to get some sleep. Please remember, anything they want to do, they need your permission. Don't let them bully you into something you don't want. As a FTM, I wish I had stood up for myself more. GL!!
