genetic question

[folistin]

if my father has a cleft lip and my sister has it too what are the chances of my child to have a cleft lip.

[loopie]

Hi Folistin-
I don't know if this goes for all or just us "AMA's" (older gals) but, when I went n for my 1st big U/S test (about 12wks) I was asked myriad questions regarding my family history& genetic past. I have a cousin with a cleft palette, however this was quite far removed in the scheme of things for it to have effected us - but it is noted and goes into the mix when figuring out if you are at risk for Trisomy, birth defects, etc- It was a very scary conversation for me as the doctor/ scientist/genetic counselor was more pragmatic than sympathetic.

In your case, you may want to ask your doctors what causes this - is it diet, illness? genetics, combo? as you have a direct line with clefts in your family. - Are there things you can do to reduce the risk ?

As for the bigger picture- a cleft lip or palette, while scary, is a correctable birth defect that I believe has no ties to other disorders - so even if they were to find a problem during an U/S, the docs would be prepared to correct it very early.

best of luck to you for a successful journey!

loopie

[chelly180]

cleft lip can occur in the general population approx 1 in 1000 live births and is more common in caucasians than african americans. It can be isolated or part of a hereditary syndrome (may be the case in your family). cleft lip & palate is twice as common as cleft lip alone and is more common in males but isolated cleft palate is more common in girls. corrective surgery is done very early and sometimes the condition can be detected in utero and anticipatory guidance can be given to the couple before the baby is born as to what to expect. I would ask your OB about possible early detection and perhaps research cleft lip specialists in your area if you are concerned. I don't believe there is a genetic screening test that can be done.
This information was gathered from an oral pathology book, I am a dentist and have seen several patients with cleft lip. Some are almost unnoticeable, while others have some lasting defects depending on the severity.
Hope this helps!
Michele