Birth defects are health conditions that are present at birth. They change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. Birth defects can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops or how the body works.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects. About 1 or 2 in 1, babies less than 1 percent are born with cleft lip and palate each year in the United States. Cleft lip and cleft palate happen very early in pregnancy. Boys are twice as likely as girls to have cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Girls are more likely than boys to have cleft palate without cleft lip. Some babies with a cleft lip have just a small notch in the upper lip. Others have a larger opening or hole in the lip that goes through the lip and up into the nose.
Having a cleft in the middle of the lip is rare. A cleft palate can affect the soft palate the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth or the hard palate the bony front part of the roof of the mouth. In some babies with cleft palate, both the front and back parts of the palate are open.
In other babies, only part of the palate is open. They may be caused by a combination of things, like genes and things in your environment, like what you eat or drink and medicines you take.
Genes are passed from parents to children. Most babies are diagnosed with cleft lip or cleft palate after birth. Some babies with certain types of cleft palate may not be diagnosed until later in life. Ultrasound is a prenatal test that uses sound waves and a computer screen to show a picture of your baby inside the womb. In most cases, your baby can have surgery to repair oral clefts.
Many children need more surgeries for oral clefts as they grow. They also may need care from several providers, like dentists, doctors, speech therapists and surgeons who specialize in taking care of babies with problems caused by cleft lip and palate. American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. Get expert tips and resources from March of Dimes and CDC to increase your chance of having a healthy, fully-term pregnancy and baby. March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies.
We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. Building on a successful year legacy, we support every pregnant person and every family. March of Dimes, a not-for-profit, section c 3. Privacy, Terms, and Notices , Cookie Settings. Any one of a variety of factors can come into play to determine if a baby is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate.
In most instances, there is no single explanation, but a combination of many factors acting together that results in a cleft lip or palate. However, there are cases which are due to a more comprehensive genetic syndrome that often includes other birth defects. The geneticist evaluates every new patient to determine if the cleft is isolated or part of an underlying syndrome.
Isolated cleft lip with or without cleft palate and isolated cleft palate or due to multifactorial causation. Multifactorial causation involves a variety of both genetic and non-genetic factors.
This is not due to a single gene abnormality but rather many genes working together along with other factors. We do not know all of the other factors but certainly prenatal exposure to alcohol, cigarettes, high temperatures, and other medications and drugs increases the risk.
Cleft palate surgery has greatly improved in recent years. Most kids who undergo it have very good results. There are risks with any surgery, though, so call the doctor if your child:. It's important to work with a care team experienced in treating children with cleft lip and palate.
Besides the pediatrician, a child's treatment team will include:. Most kids with cleft palate are treated successfully with no lasting problems. A team experienced in treating children with cleft lip and palate can create a treatment plan tailored to your child's needs.
The psychologists and social workers on the treatment team are there for you and your child. So turn to them to help guide you through any hard times. You also can find more information and support online:. Reviewed by: Brian C. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is a Cleft Palate? The opening can: just be in the back of the palate the soft palate or extend into the front of the palate behind the gums the hard palate Sometimes the opening in the palate can connect with an opening in the gums and the lip cleft lip and palate.
A baby with a cleft might have: only a cleft palate only a cleft lip both a cleft lip and a cleft palate. What Causes Cleft Palate? How Is a Cleft Palate Treated?
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