INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An analysis of more than 5 million births nationwide identified a decline in newborns receiving a life-saving vitamin K shot that helps to prevent life-threatening bleeding in various parts of the body, including the brain.

WISH-TV’s Medical Expert Dr. Janel Gordon says during the first six months of life newborns are at increased risk of bleeding due to low levels of vitamin K from the placenta, gut absorption and breast milk, which is a necessary factor in blood clot formation. 

Gordon explains since 1961, the shot has been given to babies right after birth, without question, which nearly eliminated vitamin K deficiency bleeding. 

Researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadel...