Newborn Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a vital nutrient that our body needs for blood to clot and stop bleeding. We get Vitamin K from the food we eat. Some Vitamin K is also made by the good bacteria that live in our intestines.

Why babies need Vitamin K

Without enough Vitamin K, blood cannot clot well, putting your baby at risk for Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). The Canadian Pediatric Society advises that all newborns get Vitamin K by injection within six hours after birth.

At birth, your baby's Vitamin K stores are very low because:

1. Vitamin K from the mom is not easily shared with the developing baby during the pregnancy.
2. The intestine of the newborn baby has very little bacteria, so they do not make enough Vitamin K on their own.

What is Vitamin K deficiency bleeding?

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding or VKDB, is a condition that occurs when the baby does not have enough Vitamin K. Without enough Vitamin K, your baby has a chance of bleeding into his or her intestines and brain, which can lead to brain damage and even death. Infants who do not receive the Vitamin K shot at birth can develop VKDB within the first six months of their lives. The good news is that VKDB is easily prevented by giving a dose of Vitamin K after birth.

Signs of VKDB 

The majority of cases of VKDB have no warning signs at all before a life-threatening bleed starts. However, some babies may develop symptoms that include:

• bruises, especially around the baby’s head and face
• bleeding from the nose or umbilical cord
• skin color that is paler than before, and gums that appear pale in babies with darker skin
• white parts of the baby’s eyes may turn yellow after the first three weeks of life
• stool with blood in it (dark and sticky like tar), or vomiting blood
• irritability, seizures, excessive sleepiness or a lot of vomiting may be signs of bleeding in the brain

How is Vitamin K given?

Injection

The easiest and most reliable way to give Vitamin K is by giving an injection into the muscle at the top of your baby’s leg. Your baby will only require one dose this way. Talk with your healthcare team about holding your baby skin-to-skin and/or breastfeeding during the injection to reduce pain.

This method offers the best protection against VKDB.

By mouth

Vitamin K can also be given by mouth. Taking Vitamin K by mouth does not work as well as injectable Vitamin K. Babies who get Vitamin K by mouth have a higher risk of bleeding, especially in the brain. If you choose to give your baby Vitamin K by mouth, it is important you are aware of the signs of VKDB and watch for them closely.

If your baby is taking Vitamin K by mouth, they will need three doses in total:

• after birth with the first feed
• when your baby is two to four weeks old
• when your baby is six to eight weeks old

Once you are discharged home, it will be your responsibility to ensure the remaining doses required are given. Talk with your doctor about follow-up doses prior to leaving the hospital.

Questions?

Your doctor and/or healthcare team will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.