What causes a cleft lip and cleft palate?

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What causes a cleft lip and cleft palate?

In most cases, the causes of cleft lip and cleft palate are not known, and these conditions cannot be prevented. Most scientists believe clefts are caused by a combination of genetic (inherited) and environmental (related to the natural world) factors. There seems to be a greater chance of newborn having a cleft if a sibling, parent or other relative has had the problem.

Another cause of a cleft lip/palate may be related to a medication a mother may have taken during her pregnancy, including antiseizure/anticonvulsant medications, acne treatment medications containing Accutane®, or methotrexate, a drug commonly used for treating cancer, arthritis and psoriasis.

Other factors that can contribute to development of a cleft include:

  • Vitamin deficiency (folic acid)
  • Smoking during pregnancy
  • Substance abuse

The condition may also occur as a result of exposure to viruses or chemicals while the baby is in the womb. In other situations, cleft lip and cleft palate may be part of another medical condition.

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