Just wanted to say this is what happened. I was due on the 12, baby was a no show, I was given til the 17, if baby wasnt here I would be induced that day. Ok so that very same morning the 17, I woke up around 5am with pains, I thought they were braxton hicks but after awhile I realized they were contractions, bearly starting and were already very strong. So I go to the hospital and sure enough I was already 4 cm dilated. Doctor ordered the epidural, no exceptions, and the pitocin so that's what I got. Baby was born natural and healthy that afternoon between 12 and 1pm., I did rip so now im here in so much pain, my back hurts, down there hurts, very hard to sit and lay down but it was worth it. My baby is healthy we are home now and very happy. Thank you to all the ladies who took the time to amswer my questions and such during this journey, good luck to all,!