Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Dermatologist · Plastic Surgery
Verified
Cleft lip and palate are birth defects that occur when the tissues that form the roof of the mouth and the upper lip do not come together properly. They can happen in any family, but women who take certain medications during pregnancy have a higher risk of having a child with cleft lip or palate.
Cleft lip and palate can also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals or viruses while a baby is still in the womb. Alcohol, tobacco smoke, and illegal drugs can also increase the risk of these birth defects.
