Since the throat and vocal chords are developed while the child is in the uterus, any substances consumed by the mother that might result in stunted growth in the unborn baby might lead to muteness. This includes any type of potentially harmful substance taken during pregnancy such as alcohol, tobacco and drugs both illegal and, in some cases, prescription. Essentially any substance that could cause developmental harm to a fetus increases the chances of any number of problems in the unborn child’s growth, including muteness. Also, physical deformity could play a role in muteness
.
