Cleft palate

Cleft palate is a treatable birth abnormality in which the roof of a baby's mouth, or palate, does not develop normally. It may affect one or both sides, and it can extend the full length of the child's palate.

Also a treatable condition, cleft lip can range from a small notch to a split in the lip that runs to the base of the nose. A child can have one or both of these conditions at birth.

The exact cause of cleft palate and cleft lip is not completely understood. However, these conditions typically result from abnormal facial development during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Doctors agree that your baby may be more likely to develop one of these conditions if you:

• Have a family history of cleft palate
• Use certain medications while pregnant
• Use alcohol or illegal drugs during pregnancy
• Smoke during pregnancy
• Are exposed to radiation or certain infections during pregnancy

Children born with a cleft lip, cleft palate or other craniofacial abnormality may have misaligned teeth, an abnormally shaped nose, a deformed mouth, speech difficulties, recurring ear infections, hearing difficulties and eating difficulties, which may result in a failure to gain weight.