Understanding Vertical C-Sections: Reasons, Risks & Recovery

Question
hello, i have had two emergency c-sections in the last six yrs. i have always wondered why they had to cut Vertically when its a emergency and why did they not cut horizontally?what is the reason for the vertical cut?? my first pregnancy i had severe placenta previa and delivered at 28 weeks and my last pregnancy my son was footling breech at 36 weeks.. if i was to be pregnant again what should i be concerned about and is it safe to be cut vertically again on the same scar.?

thanks

Answer
Vertical skin incisions are faster, and that's the only reason why they should be done. But while the vertical incision allows for quicker access to the uterus, in most cases the uterus incision is low and transverse. This cuts across the grain of the uterine wall and allows for much stronger healing. Most likely, if you become pregnant again, your OBGYN will feel that it makes sense to repeat a vertical skin incision, rather than cause you to have a second abdominal scar.