Cleft lip and cleft palate are openings or splits in the upper lip. It could be the roof of the mouth (palate) or both. These conditions result when facial structures that are developing in an unborn baby don’t close completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some Associated Symptoms Include<\/strong>;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.Difficulty with feedings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.Difficulty swallowing, with potential for liquids or foods to come out the nose<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.Dental problems<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.Nasal speaking voice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.Chronic ear infections<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers believe that most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are caused by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Family History<\/strong>; Parents with family histories of cleft lip or cleft palate face a higher risk of having a baby with a cleft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Exposure to Certain Substances During Pregnancy<\/strong>; Cleft lip and cleft palate may be more likely to occur in pregnant women who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or take certain medications or herbal concoctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Having Diabetes<\/strong>. Proofs have it that women diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy may have increased risk of having babies with cleft lips with or without cleft palates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Being Obese During Pregnancy<\/strong>. There are some evidences that babies born to obese women may have increased risk of cleft lip and palate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s not a death sentence as many people either abandon or stigmatize such children. These conditions can be prevented by using prenatal medications. They can also be treated usually through surgeries as follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cleft Lip Repair<\/strong> \u2014 within the first 3 to 6 months of age<\/li>
2. Cleft Palate Repair<\/strong> \u2014 by the age of 12 months, or earlier if possible<\/li>
3. Follow-Up Surgeries<\/strong> \u2014 between age 2 and late teen years<\/li><\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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