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What Is A Cleft Lip?

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  What Is A Cleft Lip?
           A cleft lip is a birth defect that appears as a gap in the upper lip and may extend as far as underneath the nose.  This deformity occurs during the fetus' development in the womb if not enough tissue is available to properly form the upper lip.  (A similar birth defect is called a cleft palate, which occurs if not enough tissue is available to properly form the roof of the mouth, resulting in an opening on the top of the mouth instead of the lip.)

 		   

  Risk Factors
           A woman may be at a higher risk than others of having a baby with a cleft lip if she is in any of the following categories:
  • A woman who is of Asian, Hispanic, or American Indian descent
  • A woman who is having a male baby (whereas a cleft palate is more likely in a female baby)
  • A woman who has another family member born with a cleft lip
  • A woman who takes certain medication(s) while pregnant (specifically, anti-seizure medication, acne medication that contains Accutane, and methotrexate, a medication often used in the treatment of cancer, arthritis, and psoriasis)
  • A woman who is deficient in folate
  • A woman who smokes during early pregnancy
  • A woman who drinks alcohol during early pregnancy
  • A woman who uses illicit drugs during early pregnancy

 		   

  Diagnosing
           A cleft lip is often diagnosed during a routine ultrasound as part of a mother's regular prenatal care.  However, not all ultrasounds will be able to detect this birth defect.  In these instances, a cleft lip will be identified when the baby is born.

 		   

  Treatment
           Treatment is often done surgically and performed by the time the baby is 3 months old.  Additional surgeries between the ages of 2 - 15 may be required depending on the severity of the cleft.  Often, surgery is important for several reasons beyond improving the physical appearance of the baby.  A baby with a cleft lip can have difficulties feeding because he is unable to form a proper latch.  Additionally, a child with a cleft lip can have trouble with his speech as the lip is used to correctly form sounds and develop proper language skills.  Dental problems can also result around the area of the cleft lip.       

       Take the time to talk to your regular prenatal care provider about any additional questions or concerns you may have about a cleft lip.

 		   

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Note: All information on edHelperBaby is of a general nature for educational purposes only.
For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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