Vitamin K

This isn’t a test as such, more a preventative measure. Vitamin K is needed to help blood clot. Babies have low levels of Vitamin K and some are at risk of developing a rare, but dangerous, condition which can cause internal bleeding. So most babies are given Vitamin K either by injection or by mouth.

It used to be the case that babies were routinely given an injection of vitamin K shortly after birth. Then in the early 1990s, a study was published which showed a possible link between this injection and childhood cancer. Although it was never proved that the injection causes cancer, and very large later studies have shown no link, some hospitals switched to giving vitamin K by mouth instead. Others continue to give the injection.

Shortly after your baby is born, you will be asked for permission for him to be given vitamin K. It’s up to you whether you want him to have it, and how you want him to be given it. It is not an easy choice to make as even experts disagree over how Vitamin K should be given.

Unless you express a preference, the hospital will probably follow its own policy. It is usual to give several doses if given orally, since it is less well absorbed than by injection. If you would like more information before making your decision, talk to your doctor or midwife.