A Cleft is a fissure or opening- gap It is the non fusion of the body’s natural structures that form before birth. Approximately 1 in 700 children born have a Cleft lip or Cleft lip palate.

Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly during pregnancy. These conditions can affect an individual’s ability to eat, speak, hear, and breathe and often require multidisciplinary care for successful treatment and management.

Overview :

• • Cleft Lip: This is a physical split or separation of the two sides of the upper lip. It can range from a small notch to a large gap that extends up into the nose. Cleft lip can occur on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral) of the lip.

• • Cleft Palate: This is an opening or split in the roof of the mouth. It can involve the hard palate (the bony front portion of the roof of the mouth) and/or the soft palate (the soft back portion of the roof of the mouth).

• Cleft Lip and Palate: Some children are born with both a cleft lip and a cleft palate, which may affect one side or both sides of the mouth.

Causes :

Cleft lip and palate are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The exact cause is often unknown, but contributing factors can include:

Genetic Predisposition: A family history of cleft conditions increases the likelihood.

Environmental Factors: These can include maternal smoking, alcohol use, certain medications during pregnancy, and lack of maternal nutrition (particularly folic acid).

Diagnos :

Cleft lip and palate can often be diagnosed through:

Prenatal Ultrasound: Many cases can be detected as early as the second trimester.

Physical Examination: After birth, a physical examination can confirm the diagnosis.

Genetic Testing: In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to identify any associated syndromes.