Cleft Lip (and Possible Cleft Palate)

What has been found?

During your ultrasound scan, we have found that your baby has an area of the upper lip that has not formed completely. This is called a cleft lip.

A cleft lip happens when the two sides of the lip do not join fully during early pregnancy.

What does this mean?

Cleft lip occurs in approximately 1 in 700 pregnancies.

It can:

• Affect one side of the upper lip (unilateral), or
• Affect both sides (bilateral)

Sometimes a cleft lip occurs on its own. In other cases, it may also involve:

• The gum line (alveolus)
• The roof of the mouth (palate)

It can be difficult to clearly see the palate at the 20-week scan, so it is not always possible at this stage to confirm whether a cleft palate is present.

What happens next?

You will be offered:

• An opportunity to speak with a Fetal Medicine Midwife, who can provide further information and support.
• A detailed scan in the Fetal Medicine Unit to assess your baby more closely.
• A discussion with a Fetal Medicine Consultant, who will explain the findings in detail and discuss whether any further scans or tests (such as additional ultrasound scans or possibly an MRI scan) would be helpful.

Are there any other concerns?

In some cases, cleft lip (with or without cleft palate) can be associated with chromosomal or genetic conditions.

The likelihood of this in your individual situation will be discussed with you by the Fetal Medicine Consultant. You may be offered genetic testing to provide more information. This is entirely your choice, and we will support you in whatever decision you make.

Specialist cleft team support

You will also be offered the opportunity to meet with the Specialist Cleft Nurse from the Cleft Lip and Palate Team based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

They can provide:

• Information about feeding
• Details about surgical repair
• Emotional support
• Opportunities to ask questions about life after birth

What happens after your baby is born?

Babies born with a cleft lip will require surgery to repair the cleft.

• Surgery is usually performed within the first few months of life.
• The cleft team will discuss the timing and details of treatment with you.
• Ongoing follow-up is provided throughout childhood to support speech, feeding, dental development and overall wellbeing.

The cleft team includes surgeons, specialist nurses, speech and language therapists, orthodontists, and psychologists.

Support and further information

If you have questions or would like to speak to someone, please contact:

Fetal Medicine Midwives
Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Tel: 01223 216185

Useful information

CLAPA – Cleft Lip and Palate Association Website

CLAPA provides trusted information, parent support groups, and opportunities to connect with other families.

ARC – Antenatal Results and Choice Website