Vitamin K is one of the fat-soluble vitamins (broadly vitamins can be divided into water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins. A, D, E & K are fat soluble vitamins. Rest are (Vitamin C, vitamin B complex) water soluble) which helps the blood to clot and prevents bleeding from any body site. A newborn is particularly at risk of this type of bleeding as vitamin K is deficient in their body from birth.

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What is the source of vitamin K?

• Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, green leaf lettuce etc
• Other vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts etc
• Fish, liver, meat, eggs etc
• Made by intestinal flora (bacteria) in lower intestinal tract in our body

Mother to the baby transfer of vitamin K during pregnancy is not enough for the newborn. Also intestinal does not have bacteria after birth to produce vitamin K within newborn's body.

What problem might happen to the newborn?

Potentially fatal bleeding conditions may take place, known as Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) or Haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN)

How to prevent this bleeding?

By giving vitamin K from external source just after birth. All newborns are now routinely given vitamin K after birth. But some newborns are at higher risk(premature baby, baby with low birth weight, delivered by instrumental delivery etc) and mustn't miss the vitamin

How to give vitamin K to the newborn?

It can be given either as IM(intramuscular ) injection or orally. One shot of IM injection is enough for a newborn. But if given orally, then totally 3 doses are given.

• First dose on day "0"
• Second dose on day 3-5
• Third dose on day 28

Note: Breastfeeding doesn't cover vitamin K. But formula feed covers. So, if a newborn is on formula feed, the third dose can be omitted.

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