In plain words
The Pfannenstiel incision is the cut most often used for a . It runs side to side, low across the belly, just above the pubic bone. It is named after the surgeon who described it. Because it is low and horizontal, the scar often sits where underwear or a swimsuit covers it. The skin heals first, and the deeper layers continue to heal for months. Some people notice numbness or tingling around the scar. Scar massage and gentle movement are common parts of recovery. Tell your provider if the scar becomes red, hot, or leaks fluid.
The deeper version
The Pfannenstiel incision is a transverse suprapubic skin incision, typically placed about two fingerbreadths above the pubic symphysis, with fascial incision and separation of the rectus muscles in the midline. It is the standard approach for cesarean delivery in most settings, and ACOG Obstetric Care Consensus No. 1 (2014) addresses cesarean rates and surgical practice in the broader context. Long-term sensory changes, including numbness and chronic pain, have been reported in a minority of patients, with proportions varying by study and time from surgery. Incision healing involves dermal and fascial repair, and adhesion formation and scar sensitivity are recognized outcomes.
Where it comes up
- Cesarean recovery, week by weekPostpartum: Your Body
- Scar care: cesarean and perineal scarsPostpartum: Your Body
- What happens in a cesareanBirth and the First Days
- Planning a cesareanGetting Ready for Birth
- When birth didn't go to planBirth and the First Days
What mothers here say about Pfannenstiel incision
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Obstetric Care Consensus No. 1: Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery (2014)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Cesarean Birth: Patient FAQ