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This leaflet explains what vitamin K is and why it’s important for your baby. It will help you make a choice about this part of your baby’s care.
Vitamin K helps blood to clot so we don’t bleed too much. We get it from food and from good bacteria in our gut.
Newborn babies have very low levels of vitamin K. This can cause a rare but serious problem called Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB).
Some babies bleed because they don’t have enough vitamin K.
- Early VKDB: In the first week, bleeding can happen from the nose, mouth, or umbilical cord.
- Late VKDB: After 3 weeks, bleeding can happen inside the gut or brain. This can cause brain damage or even death.
Without vitamin K, about 1 in 8,500 babies could get VKDB. In the UK, if no babies had vitamin K, 10–20 babies a year could have brain damage, and about 5 could die.
All babies are offered vitamin K after birth.
- Best way: one injection in the thigh soon after birth.
- Other way: oral doses (by mouth). Babies need several doses for this to work.
Breastfed babies: oral doses at birth, 7–10 days, and 1 month. Breastmilk has very little vitamin K, so it doesn’t prevent VKDB.
Bottle-fed babies: two oral doses at birth and 7–10 days. Formula milk has added vitamin K, but babies with liver problems may still be at risk.
Think about whether your baby should have vitamin K while you are pregnant. Your midwife will talk to you about this during labour.
If you choose not to give vitamin K, remember:
- most babies with VKDB show no warning signs before bleeding starts.
- VKDB can be prevented by giving vitamin K at birth.
Frimley Health recommends vitamin K for all babies.
Call a doctor or go to hospital if your baby has:
- bleeding from nose, mouth, or umbilical cord
- bruises, especially on the head or face
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes or mouth) after 3 weeks
- blood in poo, black poo, or vomiting blood
- irritability, seizures, or being very sleepy
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/058
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.