XVII: Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities

Q35-Q37: Cleft lip and cleft palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. Forming within the first 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, a cleft occurs when there is not enough tissue in the mouth or lip area and the tissue available does not join together properly. The clefts can occur on one or both sides of the lip, extending to the nose, and may also occur in the mouth's roof, causing speeches' or eating's difficulties. While the exact cause of these conditions is usually unknown, they can be associated with genetic and environmental factors such as exposure to certain substances during pregnancy. The presence of cleft lip or cleft palate may also increase the risk of ear infections, dental problems, and difficulties in speech and social settings.