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Cleft Lip and Palate
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Mouth Teeth

Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects occurring early in pregnancy when a baby's lip or mouth tissue does not join properly.

Overview

Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly. They happen early during pregnancy. A baby can have a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both.

Understanding the Conditions

Cleft Lip

A cleft lip happens if the tissue that makes up the lip does not join completely before birth. This causes an opening in the upper lip. The opening can be a small slit or a large opening that goes through the lip into the nose. It can be on one or both sides of the lip or, rarely, in the middle of the lip.

Cleft Palate

The roof of the mouth is called the palate. With a cleft palate, the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join correctly. Babies may have both the front and back parts of the palate open, or they may have only one part open.

Complications

Children with a cleft lip or a cleft palate often have problems with feeding and talking. They also might have:

  • Ear infections
  • Hearing loss
  • Problems with their teeth

Treatment and Management

Often, surgery can close the lip and palate. Cleft lip surgery is usually done before age 12 months, and cleft palate surgery is done before 18 months. Many children have other complications and may need additional surgeries, dental and orthodontic care, and speech therapy as they get older. With treatment, most children with clefts do well and lead a healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a cleft lip can often be seen on a routine ultrasound around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. A cleft palate alone is harder to detect prenatally. If detected, your healthcare team will discuss the condition with you, explain treatment options, and connect you with specialists like plastic surgeons, genetic counselors, and feeding specialists to prepare for your baby's arrival.
fter initial surgeries, children often require a multidisciplinary team including orthodontists for dental alignment, speech therapists to address speech development, and possibly ENT specialists for ear infections or hearing issues. Additional surgeries may be needed as they grow to refine appearance or improve function.
While the exact cause is often unknown, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a role. If there's a family history, the risk can be slightly higher. It's not typically preventable, but maintaining good prenatal health, including taking folic acid, is always recommended for a healthy pregnancy.
Babies with clefts often have difficulty creating suction, making breastfeeding or standard bottle feeding challenging. Special bottles and nipples designed for clefts can help. A lactation consultant or feeding specialist can provide guidance on positioning and techniques to ensure your baby gets adequate nutrition and gains weight.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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