A cleft lip and palate are congenital defects that occur in the formation of the upper lip and roof of the mouth during fetal development.
A cleft lip and palate are openings that form in a baby’s upper lip or roof of the mouth (palate). They are congenital anomalies (birth defects) that develop while the fetus is growing in the womb.
Babies born with a cleft lip or palate may face difficulties feeding (both from the breast and a bottle). They may experience speech problems.
A cleft lip and palate may be more likely in pregnant women who smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain medications.
A cleft in the roof of the mouth or lip can make it difficult to properly use the muscles involved in speaking and forming words.
Cleft lip surgery:
● It is generally done in the first months of life.
● It is advisable to do it within the first 12 months.