Which of the following muscles would the nurse choose as the preferred site for a newborns vitamin K injection *?

All newborn babies are offered a vitamin K injection soon after they're born. This is to protect them from a rare bleeding disorder called vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Before your baby is born, your midwife will tell you about vitamin K and ask you to sign a form. This is to say it's okay to give it your baby. It's your choice whether your baby gets the vitamin K injection or not.

Why your baby needs vitamin K

Vitamin K helps your baby's blood to clot and prevents serious bleeding.

Most babies are born with low levels of vitamin K. Because of this, they need extra vitamin K.

Vitamin K prevents a rare but serious bleeding disorder called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). About 1 in 10,000 babies develops VKDB.

VKDB can cause brain damage or even death. Around 7 out of every 100 babies who develop VKDB will die. About 30 out of 100 will have brain damage.

How vitamin K is given

Your midwife will give your baby 1 injection of vitamin K in their thigh. This is the best way for your baby to get vitamin K. It's the quickest and most effective way of preventing them getting VKDB.

Your baby can also be given vitamin K through their mouth, using a syringe. This is less effective than getting it by injection. If your baby is given vitamin K this way, they'll usually need 3 doses.

They will get the first dose in the maternity unit or hospital soon after birth. The second dose will be given when they are between 4 and 7 days old.

If they are breastfed for more than half their feed, they'll get a third dose at home at 1 month.

If they are formula-fed, they won't need a third dose because vitamin K is added to formula.

Safety of vitamin K

Vitamin K has been used for many years in Ireland. It is routinely given to all babies with the consent of parents.

There are no known side effects to your baby. If you have questions about vitamin K, ask your midwife, obstetrician or GP.

It is important that you have all the information you need to decide what is right for your baby.

Whatever you decide, it is a good idea to write it in your birth plan and to make sure that your birth partner knows your wishes.

Signs of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB)

Babies with VKDB may start to bleed without a reason from their:

  • nose
  • mouth
  • umbilical stump (belly button)
  • bottom

A tiny number of babies may bleed somewhere else where you can't see, such as in their brain or gut. This can be dangerous and may be life-threatening.

VKDB is rare and usually only occurs between birth and 3 months old. Late VKDB can occur up to 6 months old.

Get urgent medical help

These symptoms could be signs of VKDB. It's easy to prevent this by giving 1 injection of vitamin K to your baby at birth.

What muscle is vitamin K given in newborns?

Fortunately, it's easy to prevent VKDB with a vitamin K shot. The injection is given in your baby's thigh within 6 hours of birth. One shot is all it takes to protect your baby from getting vitamin K deficiency bleeding.

Which of the following muscle is the site for vitamin K injection for newborn baby?

An injection of vitamin K is given into the muscle of your baby's thigh shortly after birth. For almost all babies, this will prevent VKDB. The injection does not need to be repeated.

How do you inject vitamin K in a newborn?

The most reliable way to give babies vitamin K is by one injection into the muscle in the leg (intramuscular injection). One injection just after birth will protect your baby for many months.

What is vitamin K used for in newborns?

Vitamin K is needed to form blood clots and to stop bleeding. Babies are born with very small amounts of vitamin K stored in their bodies, which can lead to a serious bleeding problem known as vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). VKDB can lead to brain damage and death.