Cleft Palate

A cleft palate is a type of birth defect that can be detected in the 17th week of pregnancy. In the United States, a cleft palate is the most common birth defect. A cleft palate is often accompanied or associated with a cleft lip.^{1 2}

Fast Facts

1. Alternate names: Palatoschisis, uranoschisis, uranostaphyloschisis³
2. 1st recognized as a congenital disorder in 1556⁴
3. A type of birth defect
4. Most common in Asians, Latinos, Native Americans⁵
5. Least common in Black people⁶
6. Affects boys more often than girls⁶
7. Estimated lifetime cost: $697 million⁷
8. Defect visible after 17 weeks of pregnancy²
9. 13% of cases have other birth defects⁸

United States Statistics

• Most common birth defect¹
• Incidence: 1 in 600 newborns¹

Disclaimer

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on cleft palate.

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Bridget McCain | Cleft Lip | Plastic Surgery

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