What Causes Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate in Newborns?

What Causes Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate in Newborns?

Free Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery in Indore

At CORAL Hospital Dr. Sanjay Kucheria collaborates with ABMSS to provide Free Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery in Indore for children from financially weaker families. This life-transforming service ensures that no child suffers due to lack of money.

Cleft lip and cleft palate are among the most common facial birth deformities seen across the world. When parents discover that their newborn is affected, they often want to know why this happened and whether it could have been prevented. In this article, we will explain the causes of this condition, treatment options, and how expert reconstructive surgeons like Dr. Sanjay Kucheria help restore a child’s smile and confidence.

Parents usually ask—why does a baby develop a cleft lip or palate at birth? A cleft birth condition occurs when the upper lip or mouth roof does not form properly during pregnancy. This cleft birth condition is mostly formed in the early weeks of pregnancy, even before the mother knows she is expecting. While many families believe it happens due to myths or external behavior, the reality is that this cleft birth condition is linked to a mix of genetics, nutritional factors, and pregnancy health. With advanced medical care, especially under specialists like Dr. Sanjay Kucheria in Indore, children affected by this cleft birth condition can lead a completely normal life after surgery.

How a Baby’s Lip and Palate Form

Between 4–12 weeks of pregnancy, a baby’s facial structures develop. When these tissues do not join properly, a gap forms:

• Cleft Lip: A separation or opening in the upper lip

• Cleft Palate: A gap in the roof of the mouth

This happens before birth and is not caused by anything parents intentionally do.

Main Causes of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

1. Genetic Factors

If a parent or sibling has a cleft, there is a higher chance a newborn may also be born with a cleft birth condition.

2. Folic Acid Deficiency

Low folic acid levels during pregnancy are linked to improper facial development. Doctors recommend supplements to reduce risks.

 3. Certain Medications

Some anti-epileptic, acne, or steroid-based medicines may affect the baby’s development if taken without guidance.

 4. Smoking & Alcohol

Mothers who smoke or consume alcohol during early pregnancy have a higher chance of delivering a baby with a cleft.

5. Diabetes or Obesity in Pregnancy

Medical conditions in the mother can also increase risk.

6. Environmental Factors

Exposure to harmful chemicals, infections, or radiation may affect facial development.

Is It Preventable?

Not always, but the risk can be reduced by:
✔ Avoiding smoking & alcohol
✔ Taking folic acid
✔ Regular antenatal checkups
✔ Avoiding self-medication

Problems Caused by Cleft Lip & Palate

Babies with a cleft birth condition may face:

• Difficulty feeding

• Milk coming out through the nose

• Ear infections

• Speech problems

• Dental issues

• Low confidence

Treatment for Cleft Lip & Palate

Surgery is the best and most effective solution.

• Cleft Lip Repair: Typically at 3–6 months old

• Cleft Palate Repair: Usually between 9–18 months old

Surgery helps restore:
✔ Appearance
✔ Speech
✔ Feeding
✔ Breathing
✔ Social confidence

With modern reconstructive methods, results are natural and life-changing.

Why Choose Dr. Sanjay Kucheria?

Dr. Sanjay Kucheria is a leading Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Indore, known for advanced techniques and patient-focused care. His expertise has helped thousands of children born with a cleft birth condition regain a healthy smile, proper speech, and confidence.

Services by Dr. Kucheria:

✔ Cleft Lip & Palate Surgery
✔ Burn Scars & Deformity Correction
✔ Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
✔ Gynecomastia Treatment
✔ Liposuction & Body Contouring
✔ Breast Surgery
✔ Trauma & Hand Surgery

Families across Madhya Pradesh trust his skill, gentle approach, and outstanding surgical results.

Life After Surgery

With proper surgery and speech therapy:
Babies can feed normally
Speech improves
Appearance becomes natural
Social confidence grows

Follow-up care and dental monitoring ensure long-term success.

FAQs

1. What causes cleft lip and palate?

A combination of genetics, folic acid deficiency, smoking, medications, and overall pregnancy health.

2. Can it be detected before birth?

Yes—ultrasounds often detect cleft lip during pregnancy.

3. Is a cleft birth condition painful for the baby?

No, but feeding and speech difficulties occur without treatment.

4. Is surgery safe?

Yes. With experienced surgeons like Dr. Kucheria, surgery is safe and results are excellent.

5. Is free treatment available?

Yes. Through ABMSS, Dr. Kucheria provides free cleft surgeries for eligible children in Indore.

Conclusion

A cleft birth condition is common but fully treatable. With early surgery, children can eat, speak, smile, and grow confidently like any other child. Thanks to compassionate experts like Dr. Sanjay Kucheria, families in Central India have access to world-class care and even free treatment options.