Most mothers have fears of having newborn babies with a cleft lip or a cleft palate or both. A cleft lip is any opening on the lip. A cleft palate is also an opening but in the roof of the newborn’s mouth. These physical defects are results of incomplete development while the baby is still inside the mother’s womb. The lips as well as the palates develop on each side on the first trimester and normally come together to create two fused vertical lines and become the upper lip. The two sides of the palate also follow the same process of coming together. Cleft palate as a birth defect should be treated using surgery so that the newborn will not have any problems with feeding, speaking and hearing.
Although medical experts are not sure what really causes cleft lip and cleft palate, there are some factors that may contribute to these birth defects and to happen while the fetus is developing. Among the suspected factors include the use of medication during pregnancy as well as the use and abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs. Pregnant women who are smoking and who may be exposed to radiation as well as to infections may also be likely to have babies with these birth defects. There are times when these physical defects are caused by genetic factors.
Pregnant women have to see to it that they keep themselves healthy even before getting pregnant. Those who have some family history of cleft lip or cleft palate may want to opt for genetic counseling. Cleft palate may not readily be seen upon birth unlike the cleft lip that can be seen right away. The location of the cleft palate may determine the extent of problems that the newborn babies may encounter especially with feeding. Though ultrasound may at times detect the occurrence of a cleft palate at about 14-16 weeks during pregnancy, it may not always find the problem even when used to diagnose pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Newborn babies with cleft palate may be treated with surgery by the time they reach 12 months. Other babies may have to undergo several surgical procedures until they reach their teens. There may also be other problems that should be treated as well. These may include problems with speech, hearing or even with teeth as well as sinus and ear infections. Other babies may have also some problems that are related to the surgical procedure that has been done.
Newborn babies with cleft lip or cleft palate conditions may not be easy for the parents as well. However, they can seek some support groups who are undergoing similar problems. Family and friends may also give their love and support to make things more bearable for the baby and for the parents as well.
