Cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip of a baby. This occurs when the tissues of the upper lip and roof of the mouth do not join together as they should. Tissues from each side of your head join together at the center of the face to make both your lips and mouth. So when these tissues do not join, it causes cleft lip. 

A cleft lip can be either a small or large gap that reaches the nose, which also affects the roof of the mouth (palate) or gums. If you expose yourself to certain substances or take alcohol, tobacco or certain medications during pregnancy, you’re at risk of giving birth to a baby with cleft.

Not getting vitamins such as folate during your first trimester may increase your chances of birthing a child with cleft palate or lips. Your family history is another factor. If there were cases of babies having cleft lips in your family, you may likely birth one.

Symptoms 

Clefts can be detected before birth during an ultrasound or immediately after the birth of a child. Sometimes, clefts may only appear at the back of the mouth covered by the mouth’s lining. It is called the submucous cleft palate. In this case, cleft may not be seen at birth but diagnosed later after symptoms arise.

1. Ear infections.
2. Hard time swallowing.
3. Nasal speaking voice.
4. Foods or liquid coming out of the nose.

Causes 

Cleft lips could be caused by environment, genetics or improper development of tissues in a baby’s face and mouth.

1. Improper development

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, the lips and palate do come together but in the case of babies with cleft lips and palate, it means they never joined together. 

2. Environment or gene

Your environment or genes can also lead to clefts. As a parent, you can pass on genes that cause clefting to your child. The environment you dwell in can also make your child prone to cleft lips.

Prevention 

Although many cases of clefts cannot be prevented totally but you can lower your risk with these steps:

1. Genetic counselling 

If you are aware that in your family history, they were babies born with cleft lips, then you should consult a professional healthcare provider for help and then you would get all necessary aid before you get pregnant.

2. Tobacco or alcohol

Desist from taking tobacco or alcohol. Those who decline are at risk of giving birth to babies with health problems right from birth.

3. Prenatal vitamins 

Use prenatal vitamins as prescribed by your doctor. They contain the nutrients you and your unborn child needs.

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