My waters broke at 39 weeks, however I wasn't having 'real' contractions, so they induced me that evening.... Actually, it was meant to be afternoon, but it took them over 5 hours and 16 holes in my hands to get the $%*%&$# drip in!! I swear that was one of the most traumatic parts of it for me.
I went from tiny niggly contractions to HUGE painful ones within an hour, and I was permanently attached to the gas hose... I wouldnt even give it up when they asked!
I then begged for an epidural, as I was so out of it from the pain.
The epidural was heaven sent, I swear...
The only downside to that was that I couldnt feel the urge to push, and I suspect the things moved along really quickly and I was dilated to 10cm for hours before the midwife even bothered to check me again!