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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffAfter a baby is born with a cleft, parents are understandably concerned about the possibility of having another baby with the same condition. While many cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are unpredictable, you can take steps to understand or lower your risk:
- Genetic counseling. Your doctor will advise you on what genetic testing can tell you, such as how much a history of clefting in both your families increases your risk, as well as how blood or DNA samples can test for chromosomal syndromes.
- Prenatal vitamins. Some researchers believe that lack of folic acid or certain other vitamins may be related to some cases of cleft lip and cleft palate. If you're planning to get pregnant soon, begin taking a prenatal multivitamin now.
