Your questions answered on current pregnancy, childhood health topics

The St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital team has recently received an increased number of questions from parents and caregivers about how to best protect the health of kids. Questions have ranged from the importance of vitamin K shots to the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. 

To support families with accurate, evidence-based information, St. Luke’s follows the expert, research-backed guidance of leading medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

Below, we address common concerns and provide trusted answers on current pregnancy- and childhood health-related topics — so you can make informed decisions with confidence. 

“At. St. Luke’s, we believe that caring for children is a shared responsibility, built on trust, communication and compassion,” said Dr. Henry Thompson, St. Luke’s Children’s medical director. “We are proud to partner with parents and caregivers, listening to concerns, answering questions and supporting decisions with evidence-based guidance.  

“Our team is dedicated to the health and well-being of every child and family we serve. Whether you are navigating pregnancy, newborn care or childhood health decisions, we are here to help.”

 

What is the recommended use of acetaminophen during pregnancy?  

There is no recommendation from leading medical organizations to avoid acetaminophen during pregnancy if it is needed for pain or fever. A fever during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can be harmful to the developing fetus, making treating the fever important. Acetaminophen is widely considered the safest choice for treating fevers in pregnant women. 

Acetaminophen should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest time needed. 

Medical experts who study medication risks for mothers and children agree that evidence does not show a clear or clinically important risk of autism from acetaminophen use during pregnancy.

 

What is the purpose of a vitamin K shot after birth? 

The vitamin K shot is given shortly after birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn, a serious condition that can cause internal bleeding in the first few days or weeks of life. 

Vitamin K is essential for producing clotting factors that help stop bleeding. While adults naturally produce vitamin K through gut bacteria, newborns have very low reserves and a sterile gut that takes time to develop the ability to make vitamin K. 

Without the shot, the risk of hemorrhagic disease (uncontrolled bleeding) in infants can range from 6% to 12%. This can lead to the risk of a brain bleed or death. The vitamin K injection is a safe and effective way to protect newborns during this vulnerable period.

 

What is in the vitamin K shot? 

The vitamin K shot contains phytonadione (vitamin K1), which helps newborns produce clotting factors to prevent bleeding. To ensure the vitamin stays dissolved and stable, the shot typically includes a commonly used emulsifier like polysorbate 80 that is found in many food items, including ice cream; occasionally, a stabilizer like dextrose (a sugar) is also included, and water is used as a base. 

The vitamin K product provided to newborns at St. Luke’s does not contain preservatives and does not contain aluminum.

 

Vitamin K shots are typically given to newborns at birth. Is it safe? 

Yes, the vitamin K shot is considered safe and effective for newborns. There are no known toxicities or side effects associated with vitamin K1 when used as recommended in newborns. Vitamin K shots are an important preventative measure that has been used for decades and is widely supported by pediatric and public health experts.

 

Is the MMR vaccine considered safe? 

Yes, the MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella — three serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. It is typically administered in two doses: the first at 12 to15 months of age and a second between 4 to 6 years.  

The vaccine has a strong safety record. Mild side effects may occur, such as a low-grade fever or rash, but serious reactions are rare. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, helping to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.

 

Why is the MMR vaccine important? 

The MMR vaccine plays a critical role in preventing measles, mumps and rubella, highly contagious diseases that can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and vulnerable individuals. 

Vaccination not only protects the person receiving it, but it also helps safeguard pregnant women, infants too young to be vaccinated and those who are immunocompromised and may not be able to receive vaccines themselves. 

By maintaining high immunization rates, we reduce the risk of outbreaks and contribute to community-wide protection, also known as herd immunity.

 

I have more questions. Whom should I talk to? 

Parents are encouraged to talk with their health care providers about additional questions related to pregnancy, childbirth, well-being and more. As Idaho’s only children’s hospital, the St. Luke’s Children’s team is driven by medical experts committed to you, your family and our community.  

Editor’s note: This post may be updated over time to help address additional and emerging questions from parents and patients, keeping our communities informed with research-backed information from leading medical professionals and organizations.