Prenatal Causes of Deafness

Congenital deafness may be caused by almost any severe virus infection of the expectant mother during the early months of pregnancy. It may also be caused by such things as: the Rh factor, certain drugs, many miscellaneous accidents in pregnancy, and various diseases in early pregnancy. The first three months of pregnancy are the most important time in the development of the fetus. During this period the eyes, ears, and central nervous system are rapidly being formed. Any injury or accident at this time may be very critical