# What are cleft lip and cleft palate? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-al-shafah-al-arnabiah-wa-shaq-saqf-al-halaq Language: en Category: pediatrics Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.216Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:51.216Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/ma-hiya-al-shafah-al-arnabiah-wa-shaq-saqf-al-halaq Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form properly during early pregnancy [\[1\]](). A baby may be born with either condition separately, or with both together [\[3\]](). Collectively, these defects are known as "orofacial clefts" [\[1\]](). ## What is a cleft lip? The upper lip forms between the fourth and seventh weeks of pregnancy. A cleft lip occurs when the tissues that form the upper lip do not close completely before birth, leaving an opening [\[1\]](). This opening can be small or extend through the lip into the nose [\[1\]](). A cleft lip may appear on one side of the lip, on both sides, or rarely, in the middle of the lip [\[3\]](). Children born with a cleft lip may also have a cleft palate [\[1\]](). ## What is a cleft palate? The roof of the mouth (palate) forms between the sixth and ninth weeks of pregnancy [\[1\]](). A cleft palate occurs when the tissues that form the roof of the mouth do not fuse together completely [\[1\]](). For some children, both the front and back parts of the palate are open, while for others, only one part is open [\[1\]](). A cleft palate can occur with or without a cleft lip [\[1\]](). In some cases, certain types of cleft palate, such as a submucous cleft palate or a bifid uvula, may not be diagnosed until later in life [\[1\]](). ## Causes and Risk Factors The causes of orofacial clefts remain unknown in most cases [\[1\]](). They are thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors [\[1\]](). Research has shown that certain factors may increase the risk of having a baby with a cleft lip or cleft palate, including smoking during pregnancy, having diabetes before pregnancy (type 1 or type 2), and the use of certain anti-seizure medications during pregnancy [\[1\]](). These conditions can also be part of broader genetic syndromes, such as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, which may also involve heart problems, immune system issues, and distinct facial features [\[2\]](). ## Diagnosis and Treatment Orofacial clefts, particularly cleft lip, can be diagnosed during pregnancy through a routine ultrasound scan, or after the baby is born [\[1\]](). Treatment depends on the severity of the cleft, the child’s age, and their needs, and may include several procedures [\[1\]](). Cleft lip repair surgery is usually performed in the first few months of life, and is recommended within the first 12 months [\[1\]](). Cleft palate repair surgery is recommended within the first 18 months of life, or earlier if possible [\[1\]](). Many children may need additional surgical procedures as they grow older [\[1\]](). The goal of surgery is to restore the function of the lips and mouth, which can help improve breathing, hearing, and speech and language development [\[1\]](). In addition to surgery, children born with these conditions may require special dental or orthodontic care, and speech therapy [\[1\]](). With appropriate treatment, most children with cleft lip and cleft palate lead healthy lives [\[1\]](). For more information about the support available to families, you can visit [Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate: Understanding the Condition, Treatment, and Family Support (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate]() - [Cleft Lip and Palate]() - [22q11.2 deletion syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/ma-hiya-al-shafah-al-arnabiah-wa-shaq-saqf-al-halaq#answer