In an emergency cesarean, this will most likely be a vertical incision (from the navel to the pubic area) which will allow the health care provider to deliver the baby faster. The most common incision is made horizontally (often called a bikini cut), just above the pubic bone.

Which is better horizontal or vertical C-section?

The reason for the differences between the two is that patients with vertical uterine incisions have a much higher chance of rupturing the uterus (8% to 10%) in the future pregnancies, compared to only 1% in those with horizontal incisions.

Are C-section scars vertical or horizontal?

There are two types of incisions a surgeon may use during a C-section: vertical and horizontal. Both incisions are equally likely to scar, but the scar will look different depending on its direction. On the other hand, horizontal incisions are more common in planned C-sections.