[vc_section content_layout=”full” animation_delay=”” disable=”” id=”” class=”” bg_type=”image” bg_image=”” color_overlay=”” enable_parallax=”” enable_pattern=””][vc_row content_layout=”boxed” equal_height=”” animation_delay=”” disable=”” id=”” class=”” bg_type=”image” bg_image=”” color_overlay=”” enable_parallax=”” enable_pattern=””][vc_column layout=”normal” vertical_align=”top” animation_delay=””][vu_heading style=”1″ heading=”Occurrence and causes of ” subheading=”cleft lip and palate” alignment=”left” custom_colors=”” class=””][vc_column_text]On an average, one in every 700 children worldwide is born with a cleft. It is the fourth most common birth defect, and the first most common facial birth defect.[/vc_column_text][vu_heading style=”1″ heading=”Causes” subheading=”” alignment=”left” custom_colors=”” class=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_layout=”boxed” equal_height=”” animation_delay=”” disable=”” id=”” class=”” bg_type=”image” bg_image=”” color_overlay=”” enable_parallax=”” enable_pattern=””][vc_column layout=”normal” vertical_align=”top” animation_delay=”” width=”1/3″][vu_image_box image=”1444″ ratio=”2:1″ title=”” description=”Ceft baby born to a cleft afflicted mother” read_more_text=”Read More” link=”” class=””][/vc_column][vc_column layout=”normal” vertical_align=”top” animation_delay=”” width=”1/3″][vu_image_box image=”1445″ ratio=”2:1″ title=”” description=”Drug usage without medical advice” read_more_text=”Read More” link=”” class=””][/vc_column][vc_column layout=”normal” vertical_align=”top” animation_delay=”” width=”1/3″][vu_image_box image=”1446″ ratio=”2:1″ title=”” description=”Radiation” read_more_text=”Read More” link=”” class=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_layout=”boxed” equal_height=”” animation_delay=”” disable=”” id=”” class=”” bg_type=”image” bg_image=”” color_overlay=”” enable_parallax=”” enable_pattern=””][vc_column layout=”normal” vertical_align=”top” animation_delay=””][vc_column_text]Genetic factors: Sometimes a cleft can be genetic. The risk may be higher for children whose sibling(s) or parents have a cleft or who have a history of cleft in their families. Consanguineous marriage (marriage between close relatives or cousins) can also be a cause.
Environmental factors: Not all birth deformities are hereditary. Even in the absence of any genetic factors, there are some external factors that may result in cleft formation.
- Maternal exposure to smoking, use of tobacco, illicit drugs or alcohol consumption during pregnancy is extremely harmful for the developing baby.
- Certain medications like steroids and others as those prescribed for Seizures, Cancer, Arthritis, Tuberculosis etc have been linked to the development of a cleft. Harmful medications and erratic dosages taken without consulting a doctor may have detrimental effects on the foetus. Women taking oral contraceptive pills unaware of their pregnancy may also contribute to clefting.
- Studies have shown cleft is also related to advanced maternal age and also to some hormone deficiencies and dietary deficiencies namely that of folic acid, iron, iodine and zinc.
- Cleft lip and cleft palate may also occur as a result of exposure to viruses or infectious diseases like measles while the fetus is developing in the womb.
- Exposure to certain harmful chemicals, vapours, pesticides, gunpowder fumes, nuclear radiation, X-rays, gamma rays or dangerous reagents like in industrial workplaces have dangerous effects on the genetic composition and growth of the developing baby.
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