How clefts form
Cleft lip and cleft palate occur 6 to 10 weeks into pregnancy, when the bones of the upper jaw, nose, and mouth fuse together. A cleft, however, is the result of incomplete fusion.
Cleft palates without a cleft lip can be harder to detect and will require a post-natal checkup to confirm. Cleft lips can be barely visible or extend up into the nose. Of these, they can be unilateral or bilateral–affecting only one side of the mouth or both.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are the 4th most common birth defect
Clefts affect one in 700 infants in the U.S. every year. Of these, boys are twice as likely to have a cleft lip, with and without a cleft palate. But cleft palates without a cleft lip are more common in girls. They are also more likely to occur in Asian, Native American, and Latino children.
Clefts have few known causes
So far, science believes that clefts are caused by a combination of genetics and environment. Newborns have a higher chance of clefts if someone in their family has one or was born with one.
Clefts also have a potential cause in medications the mother takes during pregnancy. These include anti-seizure, acne medications containing Accutane, and methotrexate (for treating cancer, arthritis, and psoriasis). Viruses and chemical exposure can also potentially cause clefts during fetal development.
However, clefts cannot be prevented, especially if they come about by genetics. But ultrasounds can detect cleft lip and cleft palate prior to birth. Otherwise, post-natal physical exams will reveal them, especially if there is uncertainty in an ultrasound.
Treatment is possible
Each treatment, however, is unique to the child and the cleft(s). Cleft lips undergo surgery usually between 10 to 12 weeks of age, while palates should be done between 9 and 18 months. Often times, you may need to have your child undergo multiple surgeries.
Catch a cleft early
Depending on severity and type, clefts can cause impairments to physical, psychological, and language development. So it’s important to treat them early.
Clefts can also come with complications such as:
- Breathing
- Feeding
- Ear infections and hearing loss
- Speech and language delays
- Dental problems
After surgeries, your child may receive additional care from speech and/or hearing therapists, dental professionals, and psychologists to ensure normal development. This can prevent or alleviate these complications.