Some things can put infants at a higher risk for developing VKDB. What might cause babies to be deficient in vitamin K and have bleeding problems? For more information about the safety of the vitamin K shot, please see our FAQ’s.

Many studies have shown that vitamin K is safe when given to newborns. In order to provide for immediate bonding and contact between the newborn and mother, giving the vitamin K shot can be delayed up to 6 hours after birth.

One shot given just after birth will protect your baby from VKDB. The good news is that VKDB is easily prevented by giving babies a vitamin K shot into a muscle in the thigh. More information about these types is included below.ĭownload and print this fact sheet There are three types of VKDB, based on the age of the baby when the bleeding problems start: early, classical and late. Infants who do not receive the vitamin K shot at birth can develop VKDB at any time up to 6 months of age. Commonly, a baby with VKDB will bleed into his or her intestines, or into the brain, which can lead to brain damage and even death. When the bleeding occurs inside the body, it can be difficult to notice. The bleeding can occur anywhere on the inside or outside of the body. Vitamin K deficiency bleeding or VKDB, occurs when babies cannot stop bleeding because their blood does not have enough Vitamin K to form a clot. What is Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding or VKDB? Babies are born with very small amounts of vitamin K stored in their bodies, which can lead to serious bleeding problems if not supplemented. Some vitamin K is also made by the good bacteria that live in our intestines. Vitamin K is a substance that our body needs to form clots and to stop bleeding.

What is vitamin K and why is it important? A person without enough of a vitamin stored in the body is “ vitamin deficient” or has a “ vitamin deficiency”.

Vitamins are normally stored in the body.

Vitamins are substances our bodies need, which we get from either the foods we eat or from a multivitamin.

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