Cleft lip is a common birth defect that often occurs in conjunction with cleft palate. Both conditions occur due to abnormal facial development of an unborn baby, resulting in a split or gap in the upper lip that extends to the nasal passage.
Can cleft lip be seen on an ultrasound?
The presence of cleft lip is usually apparent at birth and therefore doesn’t require any special testing for diagnosis. However, in recent years, cleft lip has been diagnosed before birth via ultrasound, a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of a developing fetus.
Beginning around the 18th week of pregnancy, cleft lip can be detected on these pictures. Doctors analyze the photos and look for abnormalities in the facial structures. Since cleft palate occurs inside the mouth, it is more difficult to diagnose through ultrasound. However, if cleft lip is visible through the ultrasound pictures, there is a good chance the child has cleft palate as well.
What should I do if an ultrasound reveals a cleft lip?
If cleft lip and/or cleft palate is detected on the ultrasound, you have several options moving forward. You can choose to do nothing, of course, since nothing can be done to correct the cleft until after the baby is born anyway.
The doctor may offer to perform a procedure called amniocentesis, which requires taking a sample of amniotic fluid from the uterus. This test can reveal any other abnormalities and whether there is a genetic syndrome that has the potential to cause other birth defects. Knowledge of the problems your baby will have to face can help you to be better prepared as a parent once your child is born.
Some of the most common congenital anomalies or birth defects that occur in children with clefts include cardiac abnormalities, central nervous system problems, and club foot. Even if your baby shows no indication of other birth defects, there are many problems that can occur with cleft lip. For example, clefts can lead to complications such as ear infections, dental problems, difficulties feeding, and slowed speech development. Being aware of the potential for these things ahead of time can be helpful since you have more time to make medical and financial arrangements for care once your child is born.
Because of the health problems outlined above, cleft lip can cause significant emotional and physical stress on both you and your child. Therefore, being able to better mentally prepare yourself ahead of time by using an ultrasound can be beneficial.
