The end result is what counts - whatever it takes to get there is totally up to you - i had the drip - my waters broke at 37w1d and I had Strep B - so the risk of infection was greater (i suppose....) - my labour was full on and i ended with an epidural - but i would have done it a million times harder to get the end result that i got - we have been blessed with a gorgeous, healthy baby boy and that alone was worth all the stress and anxiety - good luck hope you have a wonderful birth experience