Vitamin K for Newborns

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What is vitamin K?

Vitamin K is needed to help blood clot normally. Blood clots stop bleeding.
Babies are born with low levels of vitamin K.
We get vitamin K from the foods we eat.
The bacteria that live in our gut also help make vitamin K.

What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding?

This is bleeding that happens in a baby when they do not have enough vitamin K.
This type of bleeding can happen anytime between birth and 6 months after birth.
Babies without enough vitamin K can develop bleeding into their intestines or brains. This bleeding can happen before parents know there is anything wrong.
Vitamin K deficiency bleeding can lead to brain damage and death. One out of every five babies with vitamin K deficiency bleeding dies.

Why does my baby have low vitamin K?

All babies have low vitamin K.
Vitamin K does not pass from mother to baby during pregnancy.
The intestines of newborn babies do not yet have the good bacteria that help make vitamin K.

How can I prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding?

All newborns should receive a vitamin K injection (or shot) immediately after delivery.
- This has been strongly recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics since 1961.
Vitamin K injections are safe.
Vitamin K given to a baby by mouth dose not work well.
Breastfeeding does not provide enough vitamin K to prevent bleeding.
Babies who do not receive vitamin K at birth are 81 times more likely to develop bleeding.

For more information, see the AAP Policy Statement on Vitamin K and the Newborn Infant and Protect Your Baby from Bleeds from the CDC.

This publication was adapted from information from the American Academy of Pediatrics and CDC.

Reviewed by: JJ M.D., CPCMG Newborn Committee, AR D.O. | 05/2024 