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What causes cleft lip?

Sep 24, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, cleft lip (commonly known as "hare lip") refers to a split in the upper lip. Causes of cleft lip may include genetic factors, vitamin deficiencies, unhealthy lifestyle habits, viral infections, and exposure to teratogenic medications. If any discomfort or abnormalities occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Pregnant women can reduce the risk of cleft lip in their babies by practicing proper prenatal care, ensuring adequate nutrition, and avoiding exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy.

Generally, cleft lip (commonly known as "hare lip") may be associated with genetic factors, vitamin deficiencies, unhealthy lifestyle habits, viral infections, and teratogenic medications. If any discomfort or abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Genetic Factors

Cleft lip is to some extent related to genetics. If there is a family history of cleft lip, the risk of offspring developing the condition increases. Couples who both have cleft lip should undergo genetic counseling and gene testing before conception to reduce the risk of passing on the condition.

2. Vitamin Deficiency

If a pregnant woman's daily diet lacks sufficient protein, fats, carbohydrates, and various vitamins, vitamin deficiency may result. This deficiency can interfere with the normal fusion of facial structures during fetal development, potentially leading to conditions such as cleft lip in the fetus, maternal anemia, or neural tube defects. Pregnant women can increase their vitamin intake by consuming more vegetables and fruits such as carrots, apples, and cucumbers.

3. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to harmful chemicals, or radiation during pregnancy may increase the risk of cleft lip in the fetus. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and stay away from hazardous substances.

4. Viral Infections

If a pregnant woman contracts viruses such as rubella virus, herpes simplex virus, or cytomegalovirus during pregnancy, these pathogens may cross the placenta and infect the fetus, disrupting normal fetal development. This could lead to cleft lip, miscarriage, or preterm birth. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as cefixime tablets, cefoperazone sodium for injection, or amoxicillin capsules.

5. Teratogenic Medications

The use of certain drugs during pregnancy—such as anticancer agents, antibiotics, or antiepileptic medications—may pose significant teratogenic risks. These drugs may interfere with DNA or RNA function, disrupt protein synthesis, impair normal embryonic cell functions, and thereby cause congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip, heart defects, or neurological disorders. Pregnant women should exercise caution when taking medication, only use drugs under a doctor’s supervision, and undergo regular fetal health monitoring.

During pregnancy, the risk of cleft lip in newborns can be reduced through proper prenatal care, adequate nutritional supplementation, and avoiding exposure to harmful substances.

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