Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's facial structures don't develop properly during pregnancy. Here are the key points about cleft lip and palate:

Cleft Lip: an opening or split in the upper lip that occurs when developing facial structures don't close completely that can range from a small notch to a wide gap extending to the nose, may be unilateral or bilateral

Cleft Palate: an opening or split in the roof of the mouth that can involve the hard palate and/or soft palate, may be visible or hidden by the lining of the roof of the mouth

Cleft lip and palate can occur separately or together that form between 6-10 weeks of pregnancy when facial structures are developing

Common complications following cleft lip and palate repair include postoperative infections, respiratory issues, and fistulas. These complications can lead to persistent speech difficulties, necessitating comprehensive speech therapy to improve speech intelligibility and overall communication effectiveness. Speech therapy is crucial as it addresses articulation disorders and compensatory errors that surgery alone cannot fully resolve, thereby enhancing the quality of life for individuals with repaired cleft lip and palate.