Isotretinoin embryopathy is an association of malformations caused by the teratogenic effect of isotretinoin, an oral synthetic vitamin A derivative, which is used to treat severe recalcitrant cystic acne. Exposure to isotretinoin during the first trimester of pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortions and severe birth defects including serious craniofacial (microcephaly, asymmetric crying facies, microphthalmia, developmental abnormalities of the external ear, ocular hypertelorism), cardio vascular (conotruncal heart defects, aortic arch abnormalities), and central nervous system (hydrocephalus, microcephaly, lissencephaly, Dandy-Walker malformation, cognitive deficit) anomalies and thymic aplasia. Isoretinoin is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Cleft palate is a developmental defect of the palate resulting from a failure of fusion of the palatine processes and manifesting as a separation of the roof of the mouth (soft and hard palate).