Newborn Vitamin K
Vitamin K is naturally present in the body and helps the blood clot. Learn more so you can make an informed choice about newborn Vitamin K.
Why babies get Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps prevent a serious bleeding problem that can happen in a baby’s first days and weeks of life. At birth, a baby has very low stores of Vitamin K and these are quickly used up.
The Canadian Pediatric Society advises that all newborns get Vitamin K by injection within six hours after birth.
How Vitamin K is given
By injection
Vitamin K is usually given as one injection into the muscle at the top of the baby’s leg. It offers the best protection for a baby against bleeding. If you do not want your baby to have this injection, please talk with your pediatrician.
By mouth
Vitamin K can also be given by mouth. Even though the liquid is the same, taking Vitamin K my 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 your baby is taking Vitamin K by mouth, they will need several doses. If you choose this route, it is very important that you give Vitamin K at the following times:
- after birth with the first feed
- when your baby is two to four weeks old
- when your baby is eight weeks old
Vitamin K deficiency bleeding
If you do not want your baby to have Vitamin K, review the warning signs of Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) below so you can call your pediatrician for advice if you are worried.
Signs of VKDB
- 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
In most cases of VKDB, there are no warning signs.
Questions?
Your pediatrician or care team can answer any questions you may have.