a friend of mine had a bub with a cleft lip and palate. it was hereditary (gf on the maternal side had one). it was def picked up on us, in fact at the 20 week scan. this allowed the parents time to research the condition and be prepared, and to tell their friends when they were ready.... and ask for no visitors to hospital as feeding was an issue they had to conquer etc. her little boy is now four, and apart from speech therapy you would not know the difference. he is gorgeous and you can hardly see any scar.