Vitamin k deficiency bleeding of the newborn: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency medical care now if a baby has:
A seizure, collapse, or difficulty waking
Trouble breathing or blue, grey, or very pale skin
Bleeding that is heavy or does not stop with gentle pressure
Repeated vomiting with unusual sleepiness or irritability
A swollen or tense soft spot
Sudden weakness, abnormal movements, or reduced responsiveness
And for anyone, someone who:
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Unexplained bleeding in a baby also needs urgent medical assessment, even if the baby appears comfortable.
This includes blood in vomit, urine, or bowel movements; new bruising; or oozing from the umbilical cord, circumcision site, or a needle site.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine follow-up, contact your baby's healthcare team if you are uncertain whether vitamin K was given after birth, an oral dose was missed, or your baby has ongoing jaundice, pale stools, poor growth, or feeding difficulties.
These symptoms do not always mean vitamin K deficiency, but they may require assessment for liver or absorption problems.