Cleft Lip From Drug Use During Pregnancy

The lip is formed in the fifth or sixth week of gestation during average fetal development. When this process is interrupted, it may result in a cleft lip. A cleft lip is defined by one or two vertical fissures in the upper lip, a consequence of the lip failing to fully fuse during fetal development. A cleft lip may be complete in its split and is characterized by a large gap which oftentimes continues up into the nose. An incomplete or partial cleft lip is defined as a small notch in the upper lip. It is not uncommon for cleft lip to occur in junction with cleft palate, which is a split from lack of tissue on the roof of the mouth.

Cleft lip is one of the most common birth defects affecting approximately one in 700 newborns. A major cause for cleft lip is exposure to defective prescription drugs during fetal development, especially anti-epileptic or anticonvulsant medications. These drugs have been shown to potentially cause birth defects when taken during pregnancy.

Cleft Lip Complications

Cleft lip birth defect can be a cause of a number of other conditions in afflicted children. They can experience difficulty eating due to the gap between the lip and nose as food and liquids may pass from the mouth to the nose while eating. Ear infections and potential hearing loss are also associated with cleft lip because fluid is more prone to building up in the ears. Dental problems may arise including missing, deformed teeth, and cavity development. Children with cleft lip may suffer from speech difficulties because the condition may affect a child’s ability to speak loudly, their speech may take on a nasally sound, or their words may be hard to understand.

Cleft Lip Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the malformation, but usually a child will need one or two corrective surgeries. By the time the child is three months old the initial surgery is usually performed. Early dental and orthodontic care may benefit children with cleft lip. In most cases, children born with this defect can eventually reach normal speech, eating, and appearance.

Victims of Cleft Lip Legal Aid

Babies born with cleft lip birth defect will require special medical attention and costly procedures. Pharmaceutical companies should be held responsible if their defective drugs are proved to be the cause of the malformation. Unfortunately, many pregnant women may be unaware of the harmful side effects caused by taking medication during pregnancy. Victims of injuries associated to the use of pharmaceutical drugs are not at fault and may be entitled to reimbursement of medical and emotional costs. An experienced birth defect attorney will help you protect your legal rights and can provide information regarding compensation and lawsuit options.