I was scheduled to be induced right at 40 weeks, march 17th... we went to the hospital and i had a pelvic exam to check if i was dilated. well i wasnt at all but was 50 percent effaced. we went ahead and started the indictment. was going good and started to dilate. they started pitocin (however you spell that) and i started having contractions that. were already pretty painful so i got the epidural. *if you are going to get it, get it before you start having bad contractions, its not as bad.* i took a nap, woke up and was dilated 9 cm and my body was making me push. the doctors decided to go ahead and try to push since my body was naturally doing it but her head started to swell and heart rate dropping. so after 20 hours of labor total, i ended up getting a c section. i really wanted a natural birth but i would trade it for anything. but let me tell you, recovery after c section..... horrible and not anything fun. BUT like i said . i wouldn't trade it for anything. i love my baby girl!