What it is
A cleft lip is often seen on a pregnancy scan; a cleft palate is usually found after birth.
Specialist cleft teams support feeding from birth, then repair the lip at around 3 months and the palate at around 6 to 12 months. Children are followed up into adulthood for speech, hearing, teeth and growth.
Common signs
- A gap in the upper lip, from a small notch to a gap reaching the nose
- A gap in the roof of the mouth
- Difficulty feeding
- Ear infections and hearing problems
- Speech difficulties later
How it is usually diagnosed
- Pregnancy scan
- Examination at birth, including checking the palate
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Pregnancy scan reports
- Operation notes
- Hearing tests
- Speech therapy reports
- Dental and orthodontic records
Questions to ask your doctor
- How will we feed our baby before surgery?
- What is the timeline for operations and check-ups?
- Is it linked to a genetic condition, and what about future pregnancies?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A baby with breathing difficulty, blue lips, or who is not feeding or has few wet nappies: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.