Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the acf domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/pah-obgyn.trellist-dev.com/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the simple-custom-post-order domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/pah-obgyn.trellist-dev.com/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wpforms-lite domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/pah-obgyn.trellist-dev.com/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121
Baby’s First Medications: “Eyes and Thighs” – Pennsylvania Hospital OBGYN Patient Portal – Your Pregnancy Journey

Baby’s First Medications: “Eyes and Thighs”

Soon after birth, usually in the delivery room, we will ask your permission to give your baby their first medication. Read more to learn about why we recommend these treatments for all babies.

Topic: Postpartum

There are two treatments we give babies right after they are born:

Erythromycin Eye Ointment
Vitamin K injection

You might hear health care professionals call this “eyes and thighs.” Erythromycin is an ointment that gets spread in the eyes. Vitamin K is a one-time shot that goes in the thigh.

Hence, eyes and thighs.

What does erythromycin eye ointment do?

Infections in babies can become serious quickly. That is because their immune systems are not very well developed. Some infections can cause eye damage and blindness, and erythromycin can treat those infections. It gives the baby a way to avoid unhelpful bacteria.

How does Vitamin K help?

Vitamin K is a vitamin, one that infants don’t have a lot of when they are born. It is helpful in creating blood clots, and without it babies are at risk of bleeding. This bleeding might not occur in the hospital, and could occur weeks later. One injection of vitamin K can remind the body how to clot blood and it’s important for baby to get that boost!

For more information, visit these resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics: