37 weeks plan, I'm currently 36 weeks

You’re totally valid in your fears, labor is not fun but also from what I’ve heard, C-sections aren’t much better than vaginal, just different! I was induced with my first at 40 weeks electively and the pain was unreal… but… I have a super low pain tolerance and my nurses were terrible and refused to get me any kind of pain medication/management. I also had her during Covid and wasn’t allowed to have more support during the labor and very rarely was checked on.
My sister had an emergency C-section with her first and needed to have C-sections with her subsequent other two as well. Her recovery was much harder than mine! She couldn’t hold her baby immediately after birth because they were still closing her up and she had to stay in the hospital a lot longer too.
I think regardless, your comfort levels are most important and you should definitely research both options!

I will also say that for me, the epidural was a total life saver when they finally let me have it after the nurse shift change! I didn’t feel a single thing after my epidural was placed. If you’re worried, definitely advocate for yourself and if your nurses end up not being helpful or supportive, you can definitely have your husband make sure you get a new nurse. I was 20 when I had my daughter and had no idea that was an option at the time but it totally is!