How Do Babies Get Cleft Palate?
Cleft palate is a common birth defect affecting about .1 to .2 percent of babies born each year. It is easily treatable through surgery and other devices, especially when treated early in a baby's life. There are many causes for cleft palate and the treatment depends on the severity of the condition in the baby. Many children born with cleft palate can be treated and go on to lead a healthy, productive life.
About 1 to 2 out of 1,000 babies are born with a cleft palate each year. This condition is more prevalent in girls than boys. A cleft palate is literally a hole in the roof of the mouth that leads to a hole between the mouth and the nose. Cleft palates are among the most common of birth defects and the cause is largely unknown.
In most babies, the mouth and nose develop between 6 and 12 weeks of age in the womb. In babies with cleft palate, the roof of the mouth and nose simply don't grow together. Doctor's have linked a cleft palate to other syndromes, like Downs syndrome and events that may have occurred during a mother's pregnancy. The cause of cleft palate for the majority of babies, however, is still unknown.
Heredity and Genes
Cleft palates are more common in some ethnic groups like Latin, Native American and Asian cultures. Cleft palate can sometimes be genetic, so checking if relatives have had the condition can be a good indicator of whether your children might have the possibility of a cleft palate. Babies are more likely to get a cleft palate if one or both parents has a cleft palate. There is still some debate, however, on whether environmental factors trigger the gene or whether the gene acts on its own during the first three months of a babies development.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking
Cleft palate has been linked to medication a mother has taken during a pregnancy, illegal drug use, alcohol, some viruses, and exposure to cigarette smoke. The effects of these environmental factors are still in debate and there is a question about some babies having pre-existing genetic conditions that make them more susceptible to cleft palate. The safest bet for most mothers-to-be is to check with your doctor before taking any medication and to stop drinking and smoking.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition before and during pregnancy is essential. It's always a good idea to take a prenatal vitamin when you are beginning to think about conceiving. Doctors stress increased folic acid intake before and during pregnancy to help guard against birth defects like cleft palate.
Cleft palate is very treatable and usually involves surgery and monitoring at a young age, usually between 6 and 12 months. It's good to consult with a doctor about treating your baby and special feeding issues.