^ Just adding to what Kelly said about rupturing membranes to start labour - my second labour was induced this way and my baby was malpositioned (head was deflexed and he was posterior). Just another reason I wouldn't have this done again...aah the benefit of hindsight.

Caro they can do it without rupturing membranes - my first baby my water was leaking, I was started on the drip and water wasn't broken until well into my labour.

Jac - I've had two inductions and two very different experiences. First baby was induced as described above. 18 hour labour, full on contractions the whole time (contractions with a drip induction are notoriously painful), gas, pethedine, epidural but I got her out in the end. Although it probably doesn't look that great on paper I had a positive experience with her birth and although there are things I'd change knowing what I know now, it was a pretty good birth for me.

Second baby, whole different story. Induced by rupture of membranes at 38 weeks. Knew baby was posterior but figured he would turn. No contractions started after about 5 hours so started drip. Laboured about 3 hours on the drip, almost ready to push and suddenly monitors start going off - baby's hearbeat was plummeting. He was in a bad position (sunny side up with his head tilted backwards) and every contraction was banging his forehead into my pelvic bones. I couldn't move around to help him move since I'd just had an epidural .... so off for a c/section. Obviously not very happy with that birth and still working through it.

Really think long and hard about this, inductions are not something to be taken lightly as you seem to be already aware. Knowing what I know now, I would never, ever have another one without a very VERY compelling reason. All the best with your decision.