HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Cleft lip & palate
Ngutu riwha
A cleft lip or cleft palate is a split or gap in the upper lip or the roof of the mouth (palate). It is relatively common, with around 1 in 700 to 1 in 1000 pēpi (babies) being born with it. We do not know exactly what causes it.
Cleft lip or palate may show up during routine ultrasounds when you are pregnant. Otherwise, it is noticed once your pēpi is born.
Pēpi with cleft lip or palate can have difficulties with feeding. There are things you can do to help with this.
Cleft lip or palate are treated with surgery. Most tamariki (children) will need several operations to fully correct the problem.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Cleft New Zealand
The website of Cleft New Zealand offers information, advice and support for young people born with a cleft, and for their parents and family members.
- Patient.info – Cleft lip and palate
A UK site with more detail about cleft lip and palate.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2024.
SourcesReview key: HICLP-120121
