Vitamin K for Newborn Babies

Soon after your baby is born, your midwife or doctor will usually talk to you about vitamin K. This can feel like a lot to take in at a busy time, so it can be helpful to understand the basics during pregnancy.

What Vitamin K Does

Vitamin K is a vitamin that helps blood to clot normally. Newborn babies naturally have low levels of vitamin K, which in rare cases can put them at risk of a serious bleeding condition sometimes called vitamin K deficiency bleeding. To reduce this risk, babies are routinely offered a dose of vitamin K soon after birth. You can find more on the NHS Start for Life website.

How It Is Given

There are two main ways vitamin K can be given: as a single injection into the baby's thigh, or as a series of oral (by mouth) doses. The injection gives one complete dose in one go. Oral vitamin K is given as drops in the baby's mouth, usually in two or three doses over the first few weeks, depending on local guidance. Your midwife will explain the options available where you give birth.

You can also read an NHS information leaflet on vitamin K for more detail.

Making Your Decision

Many parents choose the injection because it is one dose and then done, while others prefer oral drops. Whatever you decide, your healthcare team is there to answer questions and support you. It can help to talk it through before birth so you feel ready to share your preference when your baby arrives.