Diagnosis before birth

Diagnosis is often made in the period of pregnancy itself during an ultrasound examination. Would be parents have natural and serious concerns and often approach plastic surgeons for guidance, many would be exploring possibility of termination of pregnancy. Since it is possible to have a diagnosis only when the pregnancy is well advanced, termination of pregnancy will mean risking serious complications. It is important to emphasise here that all cleft patients have potential to grow into a normal person provided they get adequate treatment at the right time. Since most of these patients will have isolated cleft lip or palate, a simple surgery and normal rearing up of the child is all that may be required. In complete clefts involving both the lip and palate, affected children may require a more prolonged and staged treatment regime but ultimately most of the children achieve normal productive life with little blemish on their face. Many of these children have excelled in various fields, in fact I know of quite a few who have grown up to become Plastic Surgeons and devote time to treat other cleft patients. Since this deformity involves a growing child the treatment protocol is age related and it is thus important for parents to understand the importance of following each age related stage of treatment for best results.

It is quite obvious from the above discussion that termination of pregnancy. Should not be considered and expecting parents should devote time to understand the challenges they are going to face and be prepared , when the time comes to help the new born become a normal productive and most loving of their children.