What is a cleft lip?

A cleft lip is an opening in the upper lip. The lip is formed early in pregnancy (at about 4-7 weeks of pregnancy). The opening in the lip can be a small slit in the lip or a large opening that goes through the lip into the nose. A cleft lip can be on one or both sides of the lip, or more rarely, can be in the middle. Children with a cleft lip can also have a cleft palate.

Surgery to repair the cleft lip is usually done in the first few months of life, although more surgeries are sometimes needed later in life.


What is a cleft palate?

A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth, called the palate. The palate is formed early in pregnancy (at about 6-9 weeks of pregnancy). A cleft palate can occur when the two sides of the palate do not come together correctly. In some children, both the hard (front) and soft (back) parts of the palate are open. In other children, only part of the palate is open.

Surgery to repair a cleft palate is usually done in the first year of life, although more surgeries are sometimes needed later in life.

What causes cleft lip or cleft palate?

We do not know what causes cleft lip or cleft palate in most infants. Some children have a cleft lip or cleft palate because of changes in their genes. Genes are passed from parent to child in the egg and sperm. Genes give the body instructions for how to grow. Cleft lip and cleft palate are thought to be caused by a combination of genes and other factors. Smoking during pregnancy is one factor that increases the chance of having a baby with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Certain medications, changes in nutrition, and other factors also may increase the chance of having a baby with a cleft lip or cleft palate.

Can cleft lip and cleft palate be prevented?

There is still a lot we don’t know about how to prevent cleft lip, cleft palate, and many other birth defects. But we do know that women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with a cleft lip or palate than women who do not.

Click here for Healthy Pregnancy tips.


What problems do children with cleft lip or cleft palate have?

Children with cleft lip or cleft palate often have problems with feeding and speech. Other problems can include many ear infections, hearing loss, and problems with their teeth.

Resources for families and individuals affected by cleft lip or cleft palate

Cleft Palate Foundation

MedlinePlus

American Academy of Family Physicians

 

Date: November 13, 2007
Content source: National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities