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Known as one of the most common birth defects of the head and neck, cleft palate occurs when the roof of the infant’s mouth (the palate) does not properly develop during pregnancy, leaving an opening (cleft) in the palate that may continue through to the nasal cavity. Fortunately, this is a treatable condition.
A cleft can form on any part of the palate. It may appear in conjunction with other birth defects of the face, such as a cleft lip or form on its own. Until it is surgically corrected, it can interfere with eating, speech and hearing.
Although the causes of cleft palate are uncertain, your baby may be more prone to this condition if you use certain medications during your pregnancy, if you drink alcohol, take illegal drugs, or smoke during pregnancy. Further, if you are exposed to any radiation or an infection while you are pregnant, or if you have a family history of this birth defect, your baby may be more likely to be born with it. It goes without saying that it is vitally important to take good care of your health before and during pregnancy. (Of course, it is important to always take good care of your health!)
While some forms of cleft palate are readily visible at birth, sometimes it does not affect how the baby’s face looks. In such cases, it can usually be seen inside the mouth. The location of the cleft matters more than how it looks. For example, a small cleft on the soft palate may cause more difficulties with speech than a larger cleft that is easier to see.
Babies born with a cleft palate also encounter problems with feeding as they cannot suck or swallow normally. Some babies may even have trouble breathing.
Cleft palate can be diagnosed while the baby is still in the womb through the use of fetal ultrasound. This can be detected as early as 14 to 16 weeks into the pregnancy. However, since this procedure does not always find the problem, doctors do not rely on it to provide a diagnosis of cleft palate.
Treatment of cleft palate involves a group of health care providers, and the extent of treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Surgery is the most common treatment option. This is usually done when the baby is between the ages of one year and 18 months. As the child grows, further operations may be needed, but once the child reaches the teenage years, the problem is typically fixed.
Surgery can leave scars, but the palate usually heals well and leaves few signs of the cleft. The child’s facial bones will most likely grow normally, allowing for the child to speak more clearly. Some children who are born with cleft palate require additional treatment beyond surgery, as they may develop speech, hearing, or dental problems.
If your baby is born with cleft palate, it is important that you get help with feeding. A nurse can advise as to proper techniques in this regard. Be sure to watch for infections or problems with hearing and teeth. It is also important to pay attention to hearing, speech and dental care as your child grows and develops.
Be aware that caring for a child with cleft palate requires a lot of time and patience. There may be support groups in your area to help assist you during this time so you can meet others who are going through similar situations.
Resources:
http://children.webmd.com
Add a Comment3 Comments
My 4 yr old was born with cleft lip and cleft palate and we didnt find out until the day he was born. We were referred to Dr. Kim of NY Group for Plastic Surgery (www.nygplasticsurgery.com). He is a specialist that has performed thousands of these surgeries, many of these for charities, which made me choose him. He runs his own cleft palate research website: (www.craniofacialhealing.com). My son has had 5 surgeries and you cannot tell he has ever had anything because Dr. Kim did such a good job. He doesnt talk through his nose at all like some do because we started him on speech therapy at an early age.No one can tell he had a cleft lip or palate. He had a unilateral cleft lip and the palate was in the hard and soft palate. I can never express what a wonderful job Dr. Kim did.
February 10, 2010 - 2:41pmThis Comment
Hi ARemini78 - Thank you for writing and sharing your son's story. It's great to know that your son is doing well, and you likely have some good information to share with others who may face what you've experienced. Is there any advice you would care to give to other moms who encounter this? How are you doing today?
February 10, 2010 - 5:57pmTake care, Pat
This Comment
Thanks Ann. I know someone whose baby was born around the same time as my son and he was born with cleft lip (not palate). It was hard for her at first but she has overcome obstacles, her son now has a beautifully repaired smile and she is always willing to help moms face the challenge of having a child with cleft lip.
Although there are many risks, unfortunately sometimes it just happens even to moms who have done everything possibly right with no complications during pregnancy. What is important to keep in mind is that although cleft lip/palate are a challenge they are repairable and our children can and will lead normal, healthy lives.
February 2, 2010 - 9:43amThis Comment