Cleft lip and cleft palate are some of the most common birth defects. These conditions occur when the tissues in a baby’s lip and/or palate do not fuse together properly during the second or third month of pregnancy. Genetics can certainly play a role in causing a cleft lip or palate, but do other factors come into play? An oral surgeon is here to discuss prominent risk factors for these deformities and how you might be able to prevent your child from developing a cleft lip or palate.
Risk Factors
Some possible risk factors for cleft lip and cleft palate include:
- Obesity during pregnancy. Some research suggests that obese mothers are more likely to bear children with a cleft lip or cleft palate.
- Diabetes. Women with diabetes are more likely to have children with a cleft lip or cleft palate.
- Exposure to certain substances. A mother’s alcohol consumption and tobacco usage may contribute to the formation of a cleft lip or palate. Certain medications may also lead to these deformities.
Reducing the Risk
You may be able to reduce your child’s risk of developing a cleft lip or cleft palate if you:
- Prepare for pregnancy. If you are not yet pregnant, take some time to prepare your body to be the best environment possible for your child. For example, you may implement a plan to lose excess weight, or you might work with your doctor to control your diabetes.
- Consider taking prenatal vitamins. Proper nutrition during pregnancy can help your child develop properly in the womb. Your doctor may even recommend a specific type or brand of prenatal vitamins.
- Don’t use alcohol or tobacco. Both of these substances have been associated with a number of birth abnormalities. Attempt to stop using them before you get pregnant.
Treating Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
In some cases, there is no known cause for cleft lip and cleft palate. In other cases, a factor you cannot control, such as genetics, may be to blame for these conditions. If your child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate, there is no need to despair. Although these defects can cause a number of complications, they are highly treatable. Consult with a qualified oral surgeon. They will evaluate your child’s facial structures and design a plan for treating your child. In most cases, it is possible to perform surgery to repair a cleft lip 3 – 6 months after a child is born. For cleft palate, the surgery is usually performed within 12 months of birth.
Is your unborn child at risk for cleft lip or cleft palate? Caring well for your own health, as well as working closely with your doctor to take care of your developing baby, may be the keys to preventing your child from developing one of these conditions.
About the Author
Dr. Donald Gass is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over three decades of experience in his field. He is qualified to perform numerous types of procedures, including cleft lip and cleft palate surgery. If you would like to speak to him about treating your child for one of these conditions, contact our team today at 207-783-0261 to schedule a consultation.