Cleft lip and palate

Overview

Cleft lip and palate happen early in pregnancy. Babies may need help feeding.

A cleft team includes surgeons, speech therapists, and dentists.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Gap in lip or mouth roof

Less common

• Feeding trouble
• Ear infections

When to get medical care

Causes

Development.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Babies of smokers: Higher risk
• Babies of mothers with diabetes: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Ear infection: Very common with cleft palate
• Developmental or speech delay: Speech therapy often helps

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Exam:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Special bottles
• Cleft team care

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Take folic acid
• Don't smoke in pregnancy

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a cleft and craniofacial team.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association: Care team finder and family support.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Speech therapy is often needed later.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most children do very well after repair.

Surgery repairs it well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• When will surgery be done?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cleft lip and palate