Submucous Cleft Palate

Hi K.~
Let me just say that if you do encounter a doc who focuses on HOW your son ended up with this problem instead of WHAT can be done about it...stand up and walk out!! Even if you did do something to cause it (I know you didn't) that doesn't really matter now. I went to a gyn after finding out that I was being 'cheated' on (NOT by my loving hubby...was a long time ago) and I was told I had HPV, with no testing or research. I was devastated and suggested that it was passed to me by a cheating partner. The doc looked down her nose at me and said, in the most hateful tone "maybe NOT from a cheating partner." I left in tears, feeling horrible, and went immediately to another gyn. Testing showed that everything was normal...I DIDNT have anything whatsoever! Turns out that the doc I went to first was a fill-in from the other side of the state and they had MANY complaints about her. They took my info and made a complaint against her b/c she had done this to other patients, as well. Anyway, the point in saying that is...do not let a doctor treat you in a way you do not deserve. There is no disorder that develops due to one consistent action every time. Think about lung cancer; some die from it and have never smoked a day in their life while others who smoke like chimneys never get it. Your baby's body was protected in that prenatal bubble, but yours wasn't. Unfortunately, you can't protect your baby from toxins that enter your blood no matter how diligent you may be. But don't let yourself be abused (as I was) by a self-serving doctor who has another agenda.

I'll bet, however, that you will instead find health professionals who just want to help you and your baby. Docs have seen it all, and they will be the first to tell you that anything can happen, for any reason. First impressions DO tell a lot and they will see that you are a loving mommy who did not contribute to this disorder!!

Good luck

I have always heard that cleft palates are caused when the egg was trying to split into becoming twins, but didn't entirely complete the split. I don't have any personal experience in the area, but I would think (and HOPE!) that the specialist that you see would treat you with respect and dignity and not 'assume'. Best of luck to you!!

Hi K.:

Submucosal cleft palate and split uvula are caused by anything that interrupts "normal" development at that gestational age, not just drugs - it may also just happen for no reason (called idiopathic). There is no way the care providers at Childrens will judge you for this as there is no way for anyone to know what caused it for sure. The doctors will be focused on your son, correcting his condition and giving him the best possible care - they will not be condemning you. And believe me, working in an urban center like Detroit, they have seen everything possible at least once anyway. I am sure they will recognize you for the caring and concerned parent you seem to be. L. W.

HI K.,

I am a pediatrician in Lansing and let me tell you that this defect sometimes is related to drug use but most of the time it is considered multifactorial meaning there are a lot of causes and the real cause is not yet very clear- ie environmental exposures, genetics and toxin exposure all play a role. I just saw a baby a few days ago with a cleft lip and palate and have another patient with a bifid uvula and soft palate cleft and I have never thought about the parent being a drug user EVER! I did my residency at Childrens' excellent institution!! They will take good care of you!