What is cleft lip?
What, essentially, cleft lip? Or the palate? Both are congenital (present at birth) that occur when the tissue that forms the palate (or roof of the mouth), and the upper lip do not join before birth. The same may be a small cut on his lip a much deeper groove extending from the lip to the palate and nose. Cleft lip often accompanies cleft palate, ie with a cleft palate that connects the mouth to the nasal cavity. They affect not only the physical appearance of the baby, but their ability to feed and then speak. It also increases the chances of ear infections.
Do you know why they occur? Usually due to inherited genetic problems, although other causes such as drugs or medications during pregnancy, and contact with virus or toxins in the period.
Surgery for cleft lip and/or cleft palate is almost always between 6 weeks and 9 months old and sometimes in severe cases, you need a second operation. Cleft palate is usually closed during the first year of life. Sometimes using a prosthesis (an artificial extension) to Close the palate, which allows the baby to feed normally until it can perform the surgery.
Coordinates speech specialists visits, dentists, orthodontists and otolaryngologists to avoid and / or correct some complications that can arise later in life following the child’s cleft lip and / or cleft palate, dental caries (tooth decay ), displacement of teeth, hearing problems (to listen), ear infections or difficulties with speech. We recommend the help of a therapist (psychologist) if the child (a) shows self-esteem issues.
If you wonder how it can be avoided, Dr. Redett recommends:
- If you are planning a pregnancy, take 400 micrograms of folic acid a day (starting at least 3 months before planning pregnancy)
- Avoid smoking during pregnancy, and avoid secondhand smoke.
- If you take any medications, comunícaselo your obstetrician as soon as possible. Some medicines increase the risk of birth defects.
- If your family or your husband is no history (family history) of cleft lip or cleft palate, talk to your doctor so that you do the necessary tests to detect pregnancy.
Since you are holding the information to take the necessary steps related to cleft lip or cleft palate. If you feel overwhelmed, find a support group with parents who have faced a similar problem. Remember there is no problem that your child can not overcome with the help of a suitable medical equipment and all the love we receive from you safely.
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