Vertical C-Section - Have you had one?

[DisneyGoddess]

I was wondering if anyone has had a vertical c-section and gone on to have other successful pregnancies.

We have to make a choice very soon regarding the upcoming birth of my son. He is very tiny (he has severe IUGR from some type of genetic disorder that isn't able to be diagnosed yet) and will be born at 37 weeks, but he will be the size of a 25-26 week old baby. Because of his size I would need to have a vertical cection rather than the normal horizontal if we chose not to put him through the stress of an induction.

If you have any experience to share, I would love to hear it. Thank you!

 

[Stitchfans]

Both DDs were C sections. Both binki cuts. As a matter of fact the dr cut over the old scar. Only problem is he did a slop job stapling me back up so I have a ugly hole in the middle of the scar that looks like a second belly button. I know, To Much Information.

I've been told not always a c section once you have one. So you can't go by me.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

I had a bikini cut with my c-section but a good friend of mine had to have a vertical one with hers. It left a really ugly scar but in my opinion it is worth the scar to have a healthy baby.

 

[vald1977]

I have had two bikini cut c-sections but a friend of mine had two vertical sections. The first was because her DS was very big and the second was because once you have one vertical any subsequent births must also be vertical sections. She didn't have any more problems with either birth than someone who had a bikini c-section.

 

[cstraub]

My sister in law had a vertical c section (military) and then went on few years later to have two horizontal c sections. She has a scar that looks like a t but it was never a big deal. The scar is gross but what scar isn't??

 

[Bearvet]

First DS (now 17!) was born by c-section vertical incision. Then I had some ovarian cysts removed and they used the same incision. Second DS (now 13) was also born by c-section again using the same incision. Third DS (now 11) same thing. So I'm living proof that it can be done. I joked with the Dr about just putting in a zipper!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Marseeya]

Vertical C here as well. DS was emergency C section, and I think the doc did it that way because he was like 100 years old and that was just his way.

Second baby, I wanted to go VBAC, but towards the end of the pregnancy, they told me I might have to have a C-section and I asked the doctor if he could do a vertical line because my old one didn't heal properly and looked horrible. He did it, but then IT didn't heal right. It still looks better than the old one.

 

[Lars624]

I had a vertical c-section with my twins, the outside cut is vertical & quite long, the cut on my uterus I believe is horizontal though......I went on to have another successful pregnancy & deliver that one VBAC.

 

[GEM]

I had a vertical incision with my little guy, for the same reasons as you. He was also IUGR (due to placental failure) and was born at 27 weeks, but about 22 weeks in size. We were told he would never survive an induction, so a c-section was the only option. And, they told us that a vertical incision would make the proceedure much quicker, and thereby easier on him. (It was a vertical skin incision as well as a vertical uterine incision.)

He weighed 1lb and 7oz. I had major problems with the incision healing, but I don't think that had to do with the type of incision. I think I was just not letting it heal and was doing too much. (I had a very sick little one in the NICU and I couldn't really afford to be lying home taking it easy.) We haven't had another baby, but I was told that the risk with a vertical incision is only a tiny bit more than with the other type. I was told that you can't do a VBAC after a vertical c-section, though, so all future babies will have to be c-section deliveries. I do have an ugly scar, but I was never the bikini type to start with, so it doesn't bother me.

Anyway, best of luck to you and your baby. We've been down that road, so if I can help in any way (information, someone to talk to, etc.) just let me know.

Paul spent 83 days in the NICU, the first 35 days he was on a ventilator. He suffered a major infection and we had quite a few other real scares. He's great now, though. A happy, healty, normal 2 year old - except for the fact that he's still very tiny. At 30 months old he wears a size 18 months in clothing and weighs about 24 pounds.

I'll be thinking about you all!

 

[crz4mm2]

Are you talking about SKIN or UTERINE incision?
If you are talking about Uterine incision the subsequent pregnancies would be advised to be delivered only by repeat c-section due to the increased risk of uterine rupture.
If you are talking Skin incision it has nothing to do with subsequent pregnancies.

If you have any specific questions, I will try and answer them for you.

Forgot to add, prayers for you and your little one.

 

[goofyforlife]

Vertical C here as well. DS was emergency C section, and I think the doc did it that way because he was like 100 years old and that was just his way.

My doc was older too...... and I had the same vertical incision for emergency c-section.....

However, My interior incision (on the uterus) is horizontal according to the surgeons report....An exterior vertical incision makes is easier for them to get the baby in a hurry....... So if I had another baby I could try VBAC...although some hospitals in our area are now refusing to do VBAC for the liability in it.

Good luck with everything though......

 

[DisneyGoddess]

Thanks for all the replies (and prayers too). They give me hope that if it comes down to a vertical c-section that we can go on to have other successful pregnacies (baring other types of complications).

GEM - it is great to hear that your son is doing so well! We know we are facing a long haul in the NICU so any success stories give us hope. We just don't have any idea what to expect since we don't have a diagnosis yet, and won't until Hayden arrives.

crz4mm2 - this vertical c-section would be both skin and uterine and that is why it is being discussed at length with my OB and perinatologist. No matter what we will to do what is best for Hayden. I just hope that it won't also compromise future pregnancies.

 

[crz4mm2]

With more and more premies being delivered (most via c-section) we are seeing more subsequent pregnancies occur. I have taken care of many women who delivered quite early via c-section and had successful pregnancies deliver with repeat c-section at term. So it can be done.
I wish you the best! Please keep us updated on your plans and when little Hayden arrives.

 

[stacy347]

I haven't had a c-section so I can't offer any advice but I have said prayers for baby Hayden and your family.

 

[disney50fam]

I have had 5 c-sections and all of them were bikini cut!! They used the same one everytime!

 

[Mercy]

My first son was delivered by C-Section and they cut me vertically. Still have the scar and that was 19 years ago. It was a LONG labor and a difficult birth.

For my second son, I wanted to have a C-Section again... just drug me up and take the baby out But NOOOO! My doctor the second time told me, "No, Mrs. X, there's no reason you can't have this baby naturally!"... and low and behold, he was right! As a matter of fact my second son practically flew out!

 

[golfgal]

My mom had an emergency C-Section with me and had the vertical cuts, I have a younger sister and younger brother, both C-Sections. If you have the vertical uterine cut you will have to have C-Sections for future babies but you will still be able to get pregnant and carry them. The real danger is during labor and a uterine rupture.

 

[Serena]

I didn't realize there were so many people that had the vertical c-section.

Mine was an emergency C-section. My baby wasn't getting enough oxygen, so they used a bikini cut inside and the vertical outside. My scar is ugly, but I don't care, most of the time. lol My baby would not have lived if I hadn't gotten it.

Be careful with the incision afterwards. I had staples in the hospital, but they took them out and taped me closed for me to go home. My tape had a hard time staying put. I was very careful and didn't get an infection but I used a lot of tape for a while.