Is Cleft Lip and Palate Inherited? What Parents Need to Know
Cleft lip and palate are among the most common congenital conditions affecting children worldwide. They occur when there is an incomplete formation of the upper lip or the roof of the mouth (palate) during fetal development. While the exact cause of cleft lip and palate is often unclear, many parents wonder whether these conditions are inherited. Is cleft lip and palate inherited? The answer is multifaceted, involving both genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the likelihood of a child being born with this condition. Understanding these factors is essential for parents and caregivers to make informed decisions about pregnancy and newborn care. What is Cleft Lip and Palate? A cleft lip occurs when the tissue forming the upper lip does not fully join together during early fetal development. This can result in a small gap in the upper lip or extend through the lip into the nose. A cleft palate , on the other hand, happens when the tissue that forms the roof of the mouth (...