What Is Cleft Lip and Palate?

Cleft lip and palate—commonly referred to as “hare lip”—is visibly apparent at birth. Without timely treatment, it can result in significant facial disfigurement in adulthood. Cleft lip and palate affect dental development, cause speech articulation difficulties in children, and impair normal development of oral structures, thereby leading to a cascade of related complications. The etiology of cleft lip and palate is highly complex and currently cannot be prevented. Surgical correction is ideally performed when the infant is several months old. Below, we address this topic in detail.

What Is Cleft Lip and Palate?

Cleft lip and palate is a congenital craniofacial malformation—commonly known as “hare lip.” Most affected individuals are infants, though some untreated cases persist into adulthood. Congenital cleft palate (colloquially termed “wolf throat”) arises from disrupted embryonic development: failure of the palatal processes to fuse properly during gestation results in an abnormal communication between the oral and nasal cavities, producing a midline fissure in the palate.

Knowledge Extension: Causes of Fetal Cleft Lip and Palate

1. Genetics: A family history of cleft lip and/or palate—or prior birth of an affected child—confers approximately a 5% recurrence risk. If such a history exists, prenatal screening is strongly recommended to help prevent recurrence.

2. Trauma or Infection: During pregnancy, falls or viral infections may occur for various reasons. Although many fetuses survive such challenges under supportive medical care—including administration of fetal-preserving medications—it remains critical to safeguard fetal health. Though the teratogenic risk is estimated at only ~20%, even minor developmental deviations represent profound loss. Thus, maternal health maintenance throughout pregnancy is paramount.

3. Endocrine Influences: Adrenal glands regulate key endocrine functions, and their hormone secretion fluctuates markedly with emotional states. Intense emotions—such as extreme joy, grief, or fright—can trigger erratic adrenal hormone release. Given that pregnant women often experience heightened anxiety, close emotional support from family and caregivers is essential to minimize emotional volatility, thereby reducing the risk of congenital anomalies.

4. Medication Exposure: Medications are generally contraindicated during pregnancy. However, if maternal health deteriorates, physicians may prescribe the safest, lowest-risk therapeutic agents to manage the condition. Drug components can cross the placenta; whether they induce fetal malformations depends on multiple unpredictable factors.

5. Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Tobacco and alcohol consumption is not exclusive to men; many individuals—regardless of gender—use these substances to stimulate sensory perception. Habitual smoking or drinking during pregnancy reduces the likelihood of having a healthy baby by up to 80%. Optimal fetal health requires sustained, multifactorial wellness—not just isolated interventions.

The above provides an overview of cleft lip and palate. We hope this information proves helpful.