Vitamin K in pregnancy
An essential nutrient for blood clotting, vitamin K occurs naturally in many foods so your baby will get a certain level while in utero. Read about why babies are given an added boost of vitamin K at birth and discover the best sources to include in your diet.
Vitamin K in pregnancy plays a vital role in allowing blood to clot, as well as proving essential to the development of your baby’s bones. A lack of it can cause vitamin K deficiency bleeding.
Although cases of vitamin K deficiency bleeding are relatively rare, the consequences in babies can be very serious. For those babies who don’t get enough vitamin K during pregnancy, their blood loses the ability to clot and seal any wounds, leading to serious complications soon after birth.
To make sure they have a sufficient amount, babies are given an injection of vitamin K at birth. You’re also advised to include vitamin K-rich foods in your diet during pregnancy, just to be on the safe side.
Too much vitamin K can be toxic in a synthetic form, so it is best obtained from a healthy diet rather than supplements.
Vitamin K-Rich Foods
Vitamin K is generally best absorbed from raw fruit and vegetables.
These foods are all good sources:
- Fresh, raw salads and green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.
- Red cabbage, cucumber, leeks, celery, artichokes, peas and beans
- Dairy products such as cottage cheese and cream or milk
- Olive and rapeseed oil
- Lean meat (but make sure it’s cooked through)
- Combining these sources is a great way to ensure you’re getting enough – try snacks such as celery dipped in cottage cheese, add cucumber to your cheese sandwiches or make creamy vegetable soups using a leek base
If you have any questions about vitamins in pregnancy why not give our Careline team a call on 009647723342222 between the hours of 9am and 5pm Saturday to Thursday.
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Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions and support you on your journey from pregnancy to toddler hood. For more information and relevant advice, please contact us between 9am-5pm from Sunday to Thursday.