Cleft lip is one of several types of birth defects that can be found in newborns. This condition can be triggered by several things that happened since the baby was still in the womb.
In babies born with cleft lip, the growth and development of the skull bones and tissues in the head and face while in the womb does not run perfectly, resulting in clefts in the lips, palate, or both.
Things that increase the risk of cleft lip in babies
There are 8 things that can increase the risk of a pregnant woman giving birth to a baby with a cleft lip, namely:
1. There is a history of cleft palate in the family
According to research, if you, your partner, or other family members were born with a cleft lip, then your little one is also at risk for it. Even so, it does not mean that if you or your partner has a cleft palate, then your child will definitely experience the same thing.
2. Mother smoked during pregnancy
For those of you who still smoke while pregnant, it is advisable to stop this habit immediately. Pregnant women who have a smoking habit are more at risk for giving birth to babies with cleft lips.
Not only active smokers, pregnant women who are often exposed to cigarette smoke (passive smokers), are also at risk for giving birth to babies with cleft lip conditions.
3. Mother often consumes alcohol during pregnancy
Pregnant women who often consume alcoholic beverages will be more at risk for giving birth to babies with cleft lips. Research has shown that there is indeed a link between the habit of consuming alcohol during pregnancy and cases of cleft lip in infants.
4. Mother is obese
If you are planning to get pregnant but are overweight to include obesity, you should lose your weight first. The reason is that pregnant women who are obese are at high risk for giving birth to babies with cleft lips.
5. Mother takes certain drugs
Some medicines taken during pregnancy may increase the baby's risk of cleft lip. These medications include isotretinone (acne medication), methotrexate (psoriasis, arthritis and cancer drugs), and anti-seizure drugs.
For that, don't take drugs carelessly and consult your doctor first before you take them.
6. Mother lacks nutrition
Lack of nutritional intake during pregnancy will result in disruption of fetal growth and development. Pregnant women who lack folate and vitamin A intake, for example, tend to be more at risk for giving birth to babies with cleft lip conditions.
7. Mother is deficient in folic acid
As mentioned earlier, a lack of folic acid intake during pregnancy can increase the risk of a baby being born with a cleft lip. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the needs of folic acid are met properly during pregnancy to prevent babies with cleft lip.
8. Baby has Pierre Robin syndrome
This syndrome can cause the baby to be born with a small jaw and a protruding tongue. Most babies with this syndrome will be born with a cleft in the roof of their mouth. Even so, this syndrome is a rare condition.
Babies born with cleft lip can undergo cleft lip surgery if they are 2 or 3 months old. As for babies born with cleft palate, surgery is recommended at 6 to 12 months of age. Surgery for cleft lip may need to be done more than once.
Although there are some risk factors that cannot be prevented, most of the conditions that can increase the risk of a baby being born with a cleft lip can actually be avoided. In addition to taking precautions by avoiding these things, you also need to undergo regular check-ups to the doctor during pregnancy, so that the growth and development of your fetus can continue to be monitored.
