7. Cleft Palate
A cleft lip and a cleft pallet are openings in the mouth that resemble a split or crack. These are often formed along the roof of the mouth and extend all the way to the lip and bottom of the nose. Clefts occur as a result of tissue not being developed properly during gestation. It is possible to have a cleft that is only inside of the mouth but doesn’t affect the lip, though it is not common.
Anencephaly is a result of the neural tube not forming and closing correctly. As a result of poor brain development often fetuses and babies that are afflicted with Anencephaly also may present with a cleft.
Cleft lip and cleft palate are very common birth defects that may be a result of genetics or simply chance. Cleft deformities in themselves are not life-threatening and can be corrected with reconstructive surgeries that leave minor scars.