Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are conditions that may occur early in pregnancy, during the first trimester. Cleft lip and cleft palate occurs when the lip and/or palate of a baby do not grow together. The baby is born with a hole in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate) and/or a split in the upper lip (cleft lip). A cleft can occur on one side only or on both sides of the mouth.
Cleft lip and palate are the fourth most common birth defect in the United States. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to cause a cleft. The primary concern for a baby with a cleft lip and/or palate is feeding, because the baby is unable to suck. As the baby grows, other difficulties may become an issue, such as ear infections, delayed speech development and dental problems.
A team of specialists will work together to treat the child. A cleft lip can be surgically repaired within the first few days or months of a child’s life. The surgical repair of a cleft palate is usually done later. With proper treatment and advanced surgical techniques, the repair of a cleft is often undetectable. A child who has had proper intervention and care can develop normally in every aspect of life.
Cleft lip and palate are the fourth most common birth defect in the United States. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to cause a cleft. The primary concern for a baby with a cleft lip and/or palate is feeding, because the baby is unable to suck. As the baby grows, other difficulties may become an issue, such as ear infections, delayed speech development and dental problems.
A team of specialists will work together to treat the child. A cleft lip can be surgically repaired within the first few days or months of a child’s life. The surgical repair of a cleft palate is usually done later. With proper treatment and advanced surgical techniques, the repair of a cleft is often undetectable. A child who has had proper intervention and care can develop normally in every aspect of life.