The best thing I came across to induce labour was gin! In small quantities obviously....
TC I share your pain about not having enough stuff to be able to pack some away in hospital bag - I really want to put in my maternity leggings as think they'll be comfy for me to wear home, but I've only one decent pair, so will be a total gamble as to whether they'll even be clean to throw in at the last minute. Wishing I'd not been so stingey on my maternity wear now, but seems pointless spending money on extra stuff at this stage. Also worrying about what I'm actually going to wear to labour in, but knowing me I'll just get too hot and strip off anyway. Hoping to give the pool a go and no bikini top that fits - do people just get in totally starkers?