Introduction
Cleft lip and palate is one of the birth defects that affects around 18 to 20 babies in every 1000 babies, which is around 0.2 to 2.9%.
In this article, let’s discuss in detail cleft lip and cleft palate ultrasound diagnosis, cleft lip causes, cleft palate causes, cleft lip and palate treatment, its symptoms, treatment, and everything else about it.
What are cleft lips and cleft palates?
Cleft lip and cleft palate mean the opening or splitting of the baby’s lip and roof of the mouth.
A cleft lip and cleft palate could be formed when the baby’s facial structures are not completely closed.
Cleft lip Cleft palate can be genetic, and it can arise without genetic conditions too. Some babies might have only a cleft palate and not a cleft lip, and some babies might just have a cleft lip and not a cleft palate.
Can you tell if a baby has a cleft lip and cleft palate on an anomaly ultrasound scan?
During an anomaly scan, the fetal medicine expert can find signs of a cleft lip on ultrasound. If the baby has a cleft lip, the cleft palate can also be seen.
But if the baby doesn’t have a cleft lip, we cannot see if the baby has a cleft palate or not.
Symptoms of a Cleft Lip and Palate
- A split in the baby’s roof of the mouth affects the appearance of the face.
- A split in the baby’s roof of the mouth doesn’t affect the face’s appearance.
- A split or a small notch in the lip or extended into the roof of the mouth, or an open palate.
- If the baby has feeding difficulties,
- Delay in speech.
- Any dental issues that disrupt the proper formation of teeth.
Causes and risk factors for cleft lip and palate
Researchers claim that the causes of cleft lip and cleft palate can be:
- Genetic conditions/Hereditary
- Environmental/lifestyle conditions
- Smoking habits in the mother
- Alcoholic habits in the mother
- Vitamin deficiencies like folic acid
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Mother being obese
Complications of a Cleft Lip and Palate
There could be several complications of cleft lip and palate, like:
- Feeding difficulties in the baby
- Baby is not able to speak properly.
- Issues with the proper formation of teeth
- Ear infection or hearing loss in the baby
- Face not aligned properly
How to prevent cleft lips and palates
To prevent cleft lips and palates:
- Discuss history: If there is any family history of cleft lip and palate, ensure to discuss it with the gynecologist. They might refer you to a genetic counsellor to learn about and be more cautious of any genetic conditions.
- Quit alcohol and smoking: The mother must quit consuming alcohol and smoking completely even before planning pregnancy in order to avoid cleft lip and palate and other health issues in the baby.
- Lifestyle changes: Some researchers say that mothers being obese can increase the chances of a baby having a cleft lip and palate. So ensure to make lifestyle changes and maintain your ideal body weight.
- Supplements: Taking proper supplements both before and during pregnancy is essential.
Treatment for cleft lip and palate
The major treatment for cleft lips and palates is a surgery called palatoplasty. A child with a cleft lip and palate might require surgery to correct the condition.
Lip repair surgery is to be done when the baby is around 3 months old. Palate repair surgery should be done within 6 to 12 months.
Some babies might require follow-up surgeries as they grow to avoid further complications. The cost of cleft palate surgery varies depending on a lot of factors, like complications.
After cleft lip and palate surgery, the baby might require speech therapy too.
Conclusion:
Although cleft lip and palate is a rare birth defect, with proper treatment and surgery, the appearance of it can be reduced to a greater extent.
Children affected by cleft lip and palate mostly require additional surgeries or treatment once they grow older to reduce their appearance.
Consult with a paediatrician to learn more about it. For gynaecology-related consultations, prenatal scans, and consultations, contact Jammi Scans, T Nagar, Chennai. For appointments, call 7338771733.
Chennai Women’s Clinic is now Jammi Scans
FAQ
1. What are bilateral cleft lips and palates?
Bilateral cleft lip and palate is a condition where the lip and the palate are split into three different sections.
2. What is the central cleft lip and palate?
The central cleft lip and central cleft palate can have a small or large slit in the upper region of the lip that goes through the nose.
3. Can a cleft palate heal in the womb?
No, a cleft palate cannot be healed on its own. The only way to heal it completely is through surgery.
4. How can a pregnant mother avoid a cleft palate?
A pregnant mother can avoid a cleft palate by:
- Having a healthy lifestyle
- Not smoking or drinking alcohol
- Taking proper supplements
- By maintaining a proper weight
5. What deficiency causes a cleft palate?
The main deficiencies that cause cleft palates are B-group deficiencies like folic acid.
6. At what age is a cleft palate repaired?
The ideal age to repair a cleft lip is before 12 months. Medical professionals recommend getting surgery early on to avoid further complications.
