Vitamin K concerns

You may have concerns about your baby being given a vitamin K injection after he’s born because of research carried out in the early nineties that suggested it might be linked to childhood leukemia (a blood cancer).

Since the original study, several other studies have taken place in here and in Europe, but none have found conclusive evidence that the vitamin K injection is linked to childhood leukemia. Vitamin K can also be given orally, and no studies have linked this to childhood cancer.

Why does my baby need vitamin K?

Vitamin K is vital for the blood clotting process, but babies are born with low levels. Rarely, vitamin K deficiency can cause hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN). Symptoms include blood in a baby’s urine and bowel movements, and oozing around the cord stump, and the disease can be fatal. In order to avoid it, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns be given a vitamin K injection after birth.

Which babies are at risk of HDN?

Breastfed babies are more at risk than bottlefed babies because breast milk contains relatively low levels of vitamin K. The disease is also more common in babies who are premature, or who have had a complicated delivery (forceps, vacuum extraction cup or breech).

Why not just give Vitamin K to high-risk babies?

In around one in three cases, HDN occurs with no prior warning to babies who are not considered high risk. For this reason, vitamin K is offered to all newborns. As parents you have the right to choose whether your baby receives this injection, but your caregivers may recommend your baby have it depending on her circumstances.

How is vitamin K given?

Vitamin K is usually administered in an injection, which contains a single dose. It can be given orally, in the form of drops after his birth and a month later, but if your baby spits up there is a chance he may not get the required dose. The oral dose has to be given once after birth and again a month later.

If you are concerned about the vitamin K injection, talk to your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife before your baby is born. It’s important to remember that breast milk is the best food for babies, so even though the risk of HDN is higher in breastfeed infants, this shouldn’t put you off breastfeeding.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.