Question regarding cervical scars and labor

[mommytimes2]

Hi, I was wondering if any of the midwives knew much about the effect cervical scars from past procedures like D&C's had on the length of labor? I had two very long labors with my first two births (C-section, then VBAC) only to hear the second time around with a home-birth midwife that I had two cervical scars from a surgery due to a blighted ovum. She applied pressure to my cervix to help it dilate, and I did have a VBAC. Does that mean that I should have an easier time dilating if I have a third child? Do the scars continue to be an obstacle to effective dilation even after a successful vaginal birth? I would love to hear that a third child would likely come quicker, but please let me know your thoughts.

[starrlamia]

scarring can inhibit the cervix from dialating, I have read that massaging the scar tissue can help it stretch out. Not sure about future births though sorry!

[womenswisdom]

Once the scar tissue is broken up, it will probably not be an issue with future births. And now that you've had a vaginal birth, you will likely have a shorter labor the next time. But of course nothing is ever certain in labor, so no guarantees!

[mommytimes2]

Thank you for your replies. Is stretching the cervix a common practice among midwives in the case of cervical scars? Now that I know I have them, I wonder if a hospital midwife would know how to do that if my labor went long again. It was nice to hear that a third labor may be shorter due to my vaginal birth last time!