Cleft palate and cleft lip occur when the tissue of the palate and lip do not fully develop in the fetus. Specifically, when the tissue does not fuse, it results in an opening in the roof of the mouth and nasal cavity, notes KidsHealth. A cleft can occur on either side of the palate, and can also extend from the front of the mouth to the throat, and may include the lip.
Birth Defect
Birth defects are structural abnormalities present at birth. Cleft palate and cleft lip is a genetic deformity occurring once in every 2,500 live births, affecting females more than males, notes the Pennsylvania Children's Hospital. The genes of this genetic defect can be passed by either parent. Infants born with cleft palates and cleft lips have difficulty breathing and swallowing, adequately sucking and nursing. When the child's teeth surface, the teeth and jaw are not aligned, causing chewing and speech difficulty. These children are also more susceptible to ear infections, adds the Pennsylvania State Children's Hospital.
Congenital Infections
Congenital infections -- such as German measles, syphilis and chickenpox -- can cause birth defects such as cleft palate and cleft lip. Rubella or German measles contracted early in pregnancy cause 20 percent of all birth defects, notes the March of Dimes. A viral infection called cytomegalovirus, or CMV, is an infection pregnant women contract from young children who have no obvious symptoms. This virus infects 30,000 babies per year, reports The March of Dimes. Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women can endanger the fetus and newborn. Untreated syphilis causes newborn death or bone defects. "About 350 babies were affected by congenital syphilis in the United States in 2006," reports the March of Dimes.
Drug and Tobacco Use
Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy can cause cleft palate and lip, as can illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and ecstasy. Some prescription drugs can also cause birth defects. A woman taking prescription drugs such as anti-seizure medications, acne medications, antidepressants, antibiotics, and heart or blood pressure drugs should talk with her doctor before getting pregnant, notes the Pennsylvania State Children's Hospital.
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