There's nothing to really expect, experience is different for everyone. They'll start you out on a medication to try to get your cervix to soften and dilate, usually it's overnight. Then in the AM your doctor will break your water if it didn't go on its own (mine went on its own so I don't know the experience of forced water breaking) and after the water gets broken, the contractions get intense. You'll be praying for the epidural after a few hours lol. Good luck and hopefully you have a smooth labor!! Congratulations as well :)