Cleft lip anyone?

brookelynn9314 · February 2017

Its my first time posting here, I'm mostly just a lurker because I dont really like mobile bumping.

This is my 3rd baby and I am high risk for preterm labor. I'm 18w 5d today. The last week we've been moving and I started feeling some bad tightening in my belly so my doctor told me to go to the hospital. While we were there we had an ultra sound and multiple tests to make sure the baby was okay. He's perfectly fine but the ultra sound tech noted that she thinks the baby might have a cleft lip but its a little to early to tell for sure. I have a 20 week ultra sound scheduled for the 27th but I can not stop thinking about it! I wish they wouldn't have told me until they knew for sure because im stuck between trying to prepare myself and trying not to think about it.

Obviously I'm very thankful that this can be fixed and he likely wont have any speech issues and I'll be able to prepare with the right bottles and specialist that he will need. But I'm also so heartbroken at the thought of my baby having to have such major surgery so young.. and well of course the guilt only us mothers can feel, could I have done something different to prevent my baby from going through this pain.. Any other moms go through anything similar? We're waiting to tell family and friends til we know the severity for sure but I feel like I have no one to talk to about it that will understand my heart ache as a mother right now..

kat0607 · February 2017

I'm not going thorough this same thing, but wanted to say I'm sorry you have to deal with the stress of not knowing!! One good thing though, is that cleft lip and/or palate is one of the most common birth defects and successful reconstruction surgeries are completed ALL the time! I agree the tech should have waited until it was more clear before saying anything to you, because it's understandable to be so stressed and worried. Try not to worry too much before your anatomy scan...it sounds like it wasn't very clear to the tech in the first place so it could be a very minor cleft, or it may not be a cleft lip at all!! Fingers crossed for good news...hang in there!

squirttheturtle · February 2017

I, too, am not going through anything like this but I do have a cousin whose son was born with a cleft lip and palate. He is 16 now and you can't even see his scars and he has no speech issues. He did have multiple surgeries when he was younger and was in speech therapy but besides braces now, you'd never know.

Someone posted on another thread that the US tech wouldn't tell them anything during their scan because they are not a doctor/radiologist, probably something that this tech should have followed. I'm so sorry this happened.

FX for you that everything turns out OK.

MrsLa3 · February 2017

No experience, but I hope everything turns out well.

brookelynn9314 · February 2017

Thank you ladies.. trying to just stay positive about everything and not worry to much right now which is must easier said than done

tuxielove93 · February 2017

OP so sorry to hear about this. That tech should have waited for confirmation! FX for good results, and even if your baby does have a cleft lip, it's pretty easily fixable now. It would break my heart too for surgery at such an early age, but your baby probably won't even remember, and then he'll be happy and healthy for the rest of his life, sans cleft lip.

carol113 · February 2017

Sorry you have to deal with the stress of this. But, as other's have said, repairs are common and very successful. I haven't dealt with this personally, but have 2 experiences of others that I can share.

My cousin's daughter was born with a cleft lip and palate. The repair was done as an infant through Shriner's and she is currently a gorgeous 8 year old with no visible signs. She does have a palate spreader in now as she has a very small mouth, but no other issues.

I also have a friend who just went through surgery with her 3 month old baby girl last month for a cleft lip. I know she was in arm braces to avoid her messing with sutures for about a week, but after that she's been unrestricted and doing well. She's looking good even a month out.

Hopefully your anatomy scan ends up revealing no problems. But, if a cleft lip is the case, I think you can be at least well assured in a good outcome, beyond the stress on you of course.

oheliza44 · February 2017

Sending you hugs and positive vibes for a good result at your a/s.

dancegurl1118 · February 2017

Regardless of the severity, any information that leaves you in limbo is stressful. Thinking of you guys and hoping for some peace until actual answers are given

MamaRN13 · February 2017

So sorry you are going through this stress. Hoping you get some definite answers soon. In the mean time, hang in there!

mj8215 · February 2017

So sorry you are going through this! Also as a radiologist, it makes me really upset that the tech said something to you. There are good reasons they are not supposed to say anything.
Either way I second PPs that this fortunately has an excellent prognosis. But of course this information doesn't make it less stressful for you right now. Try your best to distract yourself and focus on other things while you wait for the a/s.
All the hugs and positive thoughts to you!!!

BKinney0506 · February 2017

Hello! I know how scary this is! My son is 2 years old and was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate that was undetected on my ultrasounds. If you have any questions or just need a listening ear from someone who has been there or would like to know more about my experience, I am happy to share that with you! I can also add you to some Facebook groups of this diagnosis is confirmed.

I will keep you and your family in my prayers

keep your head up and just remind yourself that it will all work out in the end.

manillabar · February 2017

OP I'm sorry for the uncertainty! My baby doesn't have signs of cleft lip/palate on US but I know the feeling of having an uncertainty on ultrasound and wanting all the answers right away. You want to be able to plan out all the possible outcomes and protect your little one as much as possible. I feel the same way. I am praying that you get some good news with your anatomy scan! And like others have said, thankfully this has a fantastic prognosis with very successful surgical options. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

WeddingNotes13 · February 2017

That is a difficult spot to be in....Not knowing if you should start mentally preparing, but knowing that it may be likely. I hope you are able to find some peace as you wait for more clarification. How great that @BKinney0506 has her experience and resources to share.

I have not had that situation, but do keep the concern in my mind. My grandfather had a cleft pallet and my FIL had a cleft lip.

Do not blame yourself. There is not medical evidence to provide any reason to believe you could have impacted this trait.

Cleft lip anyone?

Re: Cleft lip anyone?

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