Like all the other mommies had pointed out, the reason to be induced is important. My first one was induced because I was leaking and suspected strep B. So from a doctor's point of view, since baby is already full term, should induce to be 100% safe. Another time, I lost weight - this could be loss of mother's weight, or loss in water - either way, once the baby is out it is safer. Another friend, she was induced after a routine scan at 39w because. The doctor didn't say way but just kept asking her to induce that afternoon... Finally, the baby came out with cord around his neck - which the doctor suspected but didn't wanna frighten the parents.
Finally, if really go for induce... be prepared that indeed, the contractions will come hard and fast. Opt for epidural from the start. It can also take quite long, depending on how ready you are and how well you respond to the medication. Another reason why you need the epidural - so that you can relax and watch TV while time passes, instead of being in pain (which would be tiring). At one point if you become too tired or too painful, you become the prime candidate for emergency C-section!! So, just opt for epidural from the start and relax away... when everything is ready, just push!