The role of vitamin K during pregnancy – a literature review

Abstract

Micronutrients are indispensable substances for ensuring proper metabolism, which, in the case of pregnant women, has an indirect influence on perinatal outcomes. Hypovitaminosis K is a rare condition in adults. However, vitamin K deficiency can pose a significant risk to the health of both mother and fetus, which can cause bleeding, especially in newborns. Newborns have a low natural level of vitamin K because they do not receive the necessary amounts in the antenatal period, which is caused by the slower transfer of this vitamin through the placenta. The use of drugs that affect the metabolism of vitamin K by pregnant women can increase the rate of various complications in newborns, related to hypovitaminosis K. Micronutrients, especially vitamin K, are essential for the body of pregnant women, being crucial in fetal development.