Why Do Newborns Need a Vitamin K Shot?
Doctors recommend that all newborns receive a dose of vitamin K at birth because babies are not born with enough of this essential vitamin, which is crucial for normal blood clotting. Without the vitamin K injection, newborns are at risk of developing a dangerous condition called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). VKDB can lead to bleeding in almost any organ, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. Many babies affected by VKDB experience bleeding in the brain, which can cause brain damage. Treating babies with VKDB requires intensive care, multiple tests, and various treatments.