Why should Vitamin K be given to newborns?
Vitamin K is recommended for newborns to protect them against a condition known as Hemorrhagic Disease of Newborns or Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding. If the blood in our body does not have enough mature clotting factors, it can lead to excessive bleeding and haemorrhage.
These clotting factors depend on Vitamin K in the body and are matured in the liver. The liver of the newborn is immature and newborns also do not have enough Vitamin K in their bodies. This predisposes them to the risk of development of these bleeding conditions.
Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding can lead to bleeding in various different organs of the body including the brain. In severe conditions, this bleeding can also lead to death. Newborns are at a risk for Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding upto 6 months of age. Newborns are exclusively breastfed and this also contributes to a deficiency of Vitamin K. Breastmilk does not have enough Vitamin K secretion and cannot be enough to fulfil the requirements of a newborn.
When is Vitamin K given to newborns?
Vitamin K should be given to newborns immediately after birth. It is ideally given within one hour of birth. The maximum time under which it has to be administered is six hours.
How is Vitamin K given to newborns?
The mode of delivery of Vitamin K is either by injections or by oral drops. The route by which Vitamin K is given depends on the country where your baby is born as different regions follow different health protocols. The most common and widely accepted method is through intramuscular injections. A single injection is given in the thigh of the newborn baby. Any newborn who weighs more than or equal to 1000 g at birth should be given 1 mg Vitamin K immediately.
Is it safe to give Vitamin K to newborns?
Yes, it is completely safe to give your newborn child Vitamin K. There was a misconception that administration of Vitamin K at birth is linked to a higher risk of development of cancer. This myth has been completely disproven through a number of scientific studies and research. It is now established that it is completely safe to give your newborn Vitamin K at birth to protect them against dangerous bleeding risks.
What are the essential points I should know as a parent?
- Vitamin K is given at birth to prevent vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding.
- Vitamin K should be given immediately at birth within 1 hour.
- The maximum duration can be upto 6 hours.
- Breastfeeding does not provide enough Vitamin K to the baby.
- Even though it may be scary for you to watch your newborn receive an injection, it is for the protection and promotion of good health of your baby.
- Giving Vitamin K to your newborn is completely safe and recommended by many global health organisations.
