Chapter 3: Types of Clefts

Clefts are one of the most common human birth defects, occurring in approximately 1 in 700 babies. Of these, 50 percent have a cleft lip and palate, 25 per cent have a cleft lip alone and 25 per cent have a cleft palate alone. More boys have cleft of lip and more girls have cleft palate alone.

The Pierre-Robin group of clefts is a subgroup in which the cleft palate is caused by a small jaw and the falling back of the tongue through the palate, thus preventing its closure during development. It may be due to a chromosomal anomaly, or be genetically determined or caused by toxic factors during pregnancy. Sometimes the cause is unknown. It may be associated with other abnormalities.

Further Information

To obtain further information on "Cleft Lip and Palate: A Parent's Guide", please contact Belinda Liston:

Jill Barbuto
Cleft Palate Clinic Coordinator
The Cleft Palate Clinic
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Locked Bag 4001
WESTMEAD NSW 2145
AUSTRALIA
T: + 61 2 9845 2079
F: + 61 2 9845 2078
E: Jill.barbuto@health.nsw.gov.au