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Low vitamin K, or a baby who didn't get the vitamin K shot

Also called: Vitamin K deficiency

Low vitamin K can cause bleeding. Babies who didn't get the vitamin K shot at birth are at risk of serious bleeding.

Common causesNewborns without the shot, absorption problems
Usually serious?Can be
Get checked ifBleeding or bruising
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Newborn bleeding can affect the brain.

The newborn shot prevents it.

When to get medical care

Call 911Baby with vomiting, seizures, or very sleepy.
Get care todayUnusual bleeding or bruising.
See a doctor soonBaby missed the vitamin K shot.

Causes

Causes include missing the newborn shot and absorption problems.

OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause low vitamin k, or a baby who didn't get the vitamin k shot. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Vitamin K deficiencySee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Low vitamin K makes blood clot poorly, causing easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy periods, or blood in urine or stool.

What you can do at home

  • Ask about the vitamin K shot.

Medicines

Vitamin K.

At the doctor

Blood clotting tests.

Questions you may be asked

  • Bleeding

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

  • Clotting tests

Prevention

Newborn shot.

  • Vitamin K at birth

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

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Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.