Cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects. A cleft palate occurs when the tissue from the roof of the mouth does not come together. This causes a separation. There are different types of cleft. It can be divided in the front, back or the entire roof of the mouth. It can accompany a cleft lip, which occurs when the tissue around the mouth does not coalesce. This leaves an opening in the upper riser that sometimes extends up to the nose. A cleft lip can occur with or without a cleft palate.
What are the chances that my baby will be born with a cleft palate?
Scientists don't know exactly what can cause it. It is a genetic phenomenon, but it is not necessarily hereditary. It could be that a combination of genetic predisposition and external factors are contributing. If you have had family members with a cleft palate, your chances of having a child born with a cleft palate increase. If a person has a cleft palate in the family, you should consult your doctor and consider speaking with a genetic counselor during pregnancy to assess your risk factors.
How to prevent cleft palate
Pregnant women can make some decisions that could reduce the chances of giving birth to a baby with a cleft palate. Research links several environmental factors during pregnancy to babies born with a cleft. Scientists have found a correlation (but have not confirmed direct causation) between a few different things a mother is exposed to during pregnancy and the appearance of a cleft palate in her baby.
Simply put, everything an expectant mother eats, drinks, or drinks comes in contact with the growing baby. Pollutants from the outside world can enter the bloodstream if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Possible risk factors for a cleft palate include smoking, diabetes, or certain medications.
Pregnant women shouldn't smoke for a myriad of reasons. They should also eat a healthy diet with enough exercise to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. The medications topiramate and valproic acid have been shown to increase the risk of a cleft palate.
Most people can control their diet and get help to quit smoking. If either becomes too difficult to do alone, pregnant women should contact medical professionals. Diabetes can be prevented or controlled in some cases, while in others it cannot.
If you take the medications topiramate or valproic, you will need to speak to your doctor about your concerns. If you can stop taking these medications during the first trimester, it will help you prevent your baby from being born with a cleft.
It is very important to avoid the risk factors for cleft palate and cleft lip during the first trimester because the tissue affected by this defect forms around six to nine gestational weeks.
What if my baby is born with a cleft palate?
If your child has a cleft palate, you should know that it is easily treatable. Because a cleft palate is so common, doctors are experienced in closing it with a routine procedure. Surgery is generally a wise choice. This condition can cause problems with the development of breathing, hearing, speech, and language. It can also affect a child's confidence and self-esteem.