Vitamin K (aqua-mephyton) is a medication given to the newborn by injection to increase the clotting ability of the blood. Healthy newborns, especially those who are breastfed, have a decreased ability to form blood clots. Although Vitamin K will eventually be synthesized naturally in the newborn’s intestines, this may not occur for days or even weeks after birth.
This medication is given to prevent a disease called “Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding,” which if it occurs can cause bleeding into the brain or abdomen. This bleeding can cause serious deficit or death.
The bleeding problem occurs in babies without other risk factors, and although we don’t know which babies are going to need it, we know that the vitamin K prevents it. This potential life-saving treatment is free and is recommended by the midwives and our consulting pediatrician. It is given within the first few hours after birth.