Find out more about: 1  folic acid in pregnancy. 2  vitamin D in pregnancy. 3  iron in pregnancy.  vitamin C in 1  pregnancy. calcium in pregnancy.  vegetarian and vegan diets in 1  pregnancy. the Healthy Start scheme.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects. This means they happen while a baby is developing. Normally, the mouth and nose of a baby develop between the first 6 and 12 weeks of growth inside the mother. In some babies, parts of the lips and roof of the mouth don't grow together.
What causes cleft palate? Doctors aren't sure what causes it. But your baby may be more likely to have a cleft palate if you: Use certain medicines while you're pregnant. Use alcohol or illegal drugs while you're pregnant. Smoke while you're pregnant. Are exposed to radiation or infections while you're pregnant. Have a family history of cleft palate.