Understanding Vertical Incisions After Cesarean Sections: A Patient's Question

Question
I am 47 years old and have 2 children - I had two c-sections and I happened to miss the pre-natal class on c-sections.  My question is in regard to the actual surgery that took place.  I happened to have the incision that is vertical as opposed to the more common horizontal one.  I wanted to find out if during surgery do they just move the muscles to the side or do they have to actually cut them.  My abdomen has never been the same since and I have been curiuos ever since.   Thank you - Gail

Answer
During a cesarean section (vertical incision) the rectus abdominus muscle is usually merely separated, not cut, giving access to the peritoneum, which is incised vertically. You may have developed a hernia of your muscles during surgery. I don't know what you mean by "never been the same since."