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Cleft lip and palate is due to tissues of the face not properly joining together during development. They are a type of birth defect. The cause in most cases is unknown. Risk factors include smoking during pregnancy, diabetes, an older mother, obesity, and certain medications such as some used to treat seizures.
CAUSES In many cases, the cause of a birth defect is not known. But sometimes a defect may be caused by one of the following: â¢ Poor nutrition during early pregnancy. This is thought to be one cause of cleft lip and palate. â¢ Genetic (hereditary).