During pregnancy, a balanced diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals is important for your health and your unborn baby's growth and development. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that contributes to your health and may be used during some pregnancy conditions. It is important to understand how much vitamin K is needed during pregnancy and which sources you can obtain it from. Before taking vitamin K, consult your physician to discuss if this is the best option for you.
Function
Vitamin K proves essential for blood clotting. It also contributes to bone health. The bacteria in your intestines can make vitamin K, so a deficiency is rare. However, if you have a deficiency in vitamin K, it can lead to excessive bleeding or hemorrhaging. If you have a gallbladder or liver disease, you may be more likely to experience a vitamin K deficiency.
Cholestasis
Vitamin K supplements may be used during your pregnancy if you suffer from cholestasis. Cholestasis is a liver disease that only occurs during pregnancy when the bile in your gallbladder is affected by your pregnancy hormones. The bile acids build up in your liver and spill into your bloodstream, causing symptoms like severe itching, fatigue and loss of appetite. If a blood test confirms that you have cholestasis, American Pregnancy Association states that your physician may give you vitamin K supplements before and after delivery to help prevent hemorrhaging.
Recommended Amount and Sources
Vegetables that contain Vitamin K include broccoli and leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens. It is also found in some fortified products such as juice and cereal. You need 90 mcg of vitamin K during pregnancy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Supplements are safe during pregnancy in the recommended daily amount, but talk to your doctor before using them so that you do not take more than the recommended dosage.
Considerations
Vitamin K is sometimes applied to the skin for bruises, scars, stretch marks and burns, according to MedlinePlus. There is insufficient evidence for the effectiveness and safety of using vitamin K topically, so talk to your doctor before applying vitamin K to your skin during pregnancy.
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