Vitamin K Injections

When babies are born they have lower levels of vitamin K, mainly because they are unable to make the vitamin in their intestine. Because of this they have a higher risk of bleeding in the form of a disorder called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB). This is why extra vitamin K will be offered to your newborn.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is obtained from the diet and also bacteria that normally live in the intestines and it is essential for blood clotting within the body. Vitamin K is the name for a group of vitamins, with vitamin K1 being found in green vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli and vitamin K2 being mostly found in meat and dairy products.

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding

A small number of newborns (around one in ten thousand) have early-onset VKDB. This means that shortly after birth they may suddenly bleed from the mouth or nose, bottom or umbilical stump.

In some cases late-onset VKDB occurs after the first week of birth and internal bleeding may occur, which is not only more serious for the baby but can be harder to actually diagnose. If bleeding into the brain occurs then significant brain damage may be caused to the baby.

It has been suggested by professionals that almost 100% of VKDB cases are prevented by vitamin K injections or supplements.

Is my baby at risk of VKDB?

Your baby may be at more risk of VKDB if you have been on certain medications during pregnancy such as anti-epilepsy drugs or tuberculosis treatments.

Your baby may be at more risk of the late-onset VKBD if they have been born premature or have had a complicated delivery (including forceps, ventouse or breech).

Your baby may also be at higher risk if they are having problems absorbing their feed or if they have liver disease.

However, not all babies will have these risk factors for VKDB and the disorder can still occur without any of these.

Vitamin K injections

Vitamin K injections have been offered to newborns since the 1960s. Usually a single injection of vitamin K will be given to your baby very soon after birth. Like any injection it will usually be fast, may be a little uncomfortable for the baby and may leave a small bruise.

Vitamin K supplements

These are given with a dropper by mouth if you are breastfeeding and the dose will be adjusted if you are mixed feeding. If you are completely bottle-feeding your baby then supplements will probably not be necessary as there is extra vitamin K in the formula milk.

Complications of vitamin K

The possibility of a link between vitamin K injections and childhood cancers, specifically leukaemia was investigated nearly twenty years ago. Since then a number of scientists and doctors around the world have investigated this further and were unable to confirm the link. Key medical committees in the UK and US have concluded that to date the results found by the original scientists remain unconfirmed and that the link between vitamin K injections and leukaemia is 'unlikely'.

Does my baby have to have the vitamin K injection?

Your midwife will discuss vitamin K injections with you before the birth. Do make sure that you ask any questions you have and don't be afraid to tell them about any concerns or fears that you may have about the injections.

Ultimately, the decision about whether to accept the vitamin K injection or supplement is up to you. If you are reluctant for your baby to receive the injection then you may wish to consider whether to allow your baby to receive the vitamin K supplements by mouth instead, especially if you are breastfeeding.

If you have chosen to have the injection then you or your partner should check that this has been done before you go home, especially in very busy maternity units.

If you decide not to have the injection or supplement then make sure you have discussed fully with your midwife or other medical professional exactly what the symptoms of VKDB are so that you can monitor your baby closely for any signs of bleeding.

As with all key decisions around your pregnancy and your baby, you and your partner should make your decision based on the information and evidence from your medical professionals. Also, remember to speak to other parents to find out what their thoughts and experiences are of vitamin K injections.