Useful
10.01.2025
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2 min reading 
One of the questions young parents have about their stay in the maternity ward is about vaccinations, screenings, etc. Often, when listing the vaccines administered, vitamin K is indicated.
It is believed that the risk of developing long-term consequences of vitamin K deficiency at the age of 2-6 months is 81% higher in children who did not receive a prophylactic dose of vitamin K at birth.
A child with low vitamin K levels may experience bleeding suddenly, without any prior signs.
Half of the children diagnosed with hemorrhagic disease of the newborn suffered a brain hemorrhage.
Unfortunately, we cannot produce vitamin K on our own.
Newborns are born with a deficiency of it, which we cannot replenish with breast milk. Also, it is not stored very well in our bodies.
Source: freepik
Vitamin K activates blood clotting factors, which are usually present in normal amounts in our bodies at birth. However, they cannot be fully activated due to low levels of vitamin K in the body.
In most cases, our blood clots even with low levels of vitamin K.
But, as the level gradually decreases even further, at some point the body will reach a level where blood clotting becomes impossible.
This level is very individual. And it is impossible to predict exactly when bleeding will begin.
! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends administering 0,5-1 mg as a single intramuscular dose at birth. It is safe and effective.
! ️ So I urge you, before refusing any procedures under the influence of new trends, other people's unqualified advice, or superstitions, to thoroughly study the information and weigh the risks to your child's health and even life!
I wish everyone good health. and don't make problems where they can be easily avoided.
