What Causes Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

There is no conclusive evidence of an exact cause, but this is probably multi-factorial.  Although a child may have a genetic predisposition, environmental issues may contribute to cleft lip and palate.  These include drug or alcohol use, smoking, maternal illness, infections or folic acid deficiency.  Higher risks of having a child with a cleft occur in mothers that are over thirty-five years of age or those who have been exposed to teratagens such as chemicals, infections, or environmental agents that can disrupt the development of the child in the womb.  Examples of these can include alcohol, cocaine, cigarettes, seizure medications (Dilantin, Valporic Acid, or     Tegretol), Thalidomide,  Accutane, chemotherapy, or Lithium.  Clefts can occur alone or be associated with other abnormalities.