A cleft lip and palate is a birth defect that occurs when the facial structures of the fetus do not close completely. This typically occurs between the sixth and tenth week of the pregnancy, according to KidsHealth.org. This birth defect can be corrected with surgery. It sometimes associated with other genetic conditions. Some drugs are known to increase the risk of a baby being born with a cleft lip and palate.
Prescription Drugs
Certain medications taken during pregnancy can cause a cleft lip and palate. KidsHealth.org suggests that several anti-seizure medications are associated with this facial deformity. Other drugs that increase the risk of a cleft lip and palate include acne medications containing isotretinoin and methotrexate, a drug used to treat some cancers, rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a drug and it can increase the risk of birth defect substantially. KidsHealth.org points out that women who drink five ore more drinks in one sitting during the first weeks of pregnancy have a significantly higher risk of having a baby with a facial birth defect, including a cleft lip or palate.
Illicit Drugs
Any illicit drug use, such as cocaine and heroin, during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences for the unborn baby. This includes facial deformities like a cleft lip and cleft palate. Drug use during the first two months of the pregnancy contributes to the risk of the cleft palate and lip. Continued drug use throughout the pregnancy will increase the risk of numerous other defects and problems, including the baby being born dependent on the drug.
