Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Serious Medicine. Extraordinary Care.

Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (Hemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn)

What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding?

Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) is a bleeding problem that occurs in some newborns during the first few days of life. VKDB was previously called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

What causes vitamin K deficiency bleeding?


Who is affected by vitamin K deficiency bleeding?



  • Exclusively breastfed babies (breast milk contains less vitamin K than cow's milk formula)

  • Babies whose mothers take anticonvulsants (for seizures) and anticoagulants (for clotting disorders) 

Why is vitamin K deficiency bleeding a concern?


What are the symptoms of vitamin K deficiency bleeding?


  • Blood in the baby's bowel movements

  • Blood in the baby's urine

  • Oozing around the umbilical cord


How is vitamin K deficiency bleeding diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, a diagnosis is based on signs of bleeding and laboratory tests for blood clotting times.

Treatment for vitamin K deficiency bleeding

Specific treatment for VKDB will be determined by your baby's doctor.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving every newborn baby an injection of vitamin K after delivery, as well as supplementing feedings with infant formulas that contain vitamin K, to prevent this potentially life-threatening disease.

Blood transfusions may also be needed if bleeding is severe.