Cause 2: Environmental Triggers – The World Around Us
Our environment is an ever-present force, influencing our development from the moment of conception. For a developing fetus, the environment it’s exposed to within the womb can significantly impact its growth trajectory.
A stark revelation in this realm has been the correlation between certain external factors and the onset of a cleft lip. Pregnant women who consume alcohol, illicit drugs, or smoke heighten the risk of their unborn child developing this condition. These substances can interfere with fetal development, leading to a range of potential anomalies, including a cleft lip.
Moreover, the environment isn’t just about what one consumes. Exposure to specific chemicals, toxins, or infections during crucial stages of pregnancy can disrupt the natural developmental process. This disruption can manifest in various ways, one of which is the development of a cleft lip.
Yet, it’s essential to recognize that these environmental triggers don’t operate in isolation. More often than not, they’re part of a larger web of causative factors. A genetic predisposition, coupled with environmental exposures, can amplify the risk exponentially. (2)
