Signs of Foaling

Pages Made By Kim Landis ~ Photos Courtesy of Sheri Hill Photos may not be copied without persmission!

Mares Gestation length varies, the due date is usually calculated for 340 days (approx 11 months) after the last breeding date, but healthy full term foals can be born as early as 310 days. It is best to start looking for changes in the mare starting at 300 days gestation.

1. Behavioral Changes The most important task for the foaling attendant is to familiarize yourself with the mares routine leading up to foaling. Spend time (an hour or so a day) when the barn is quiet watching the mare and learning what is normal for her. Sometimes a simple change such as standing in a different corner of the stall may be a sign that stage one of labor is beginning for that particular mare.

2. Foal will shift in position, changing the look of the mare's belly The belly may appear more centered, lower and caved in at the hips. This is often called "dropping" or the "dropped" look. It can also be called V-belly or V-shape, because of how the mares belly is more pointed at the bottom like a "V".

Dawnie maiden mare 300 days gestation, side view and rear view, notice the appearance of her stomach, compared to mare below. This mare foaled 12 days later.

Feb 19, 2001: A day before foaling, showing the 'dropped foal' look. Notice the pointed look of the stomach, compared to the mare above, and also the relaxing of the ligaments around the croup. This mare foaled the next day, on day 353 of gestation.

3. Mare's vulva will relax and lengthen in preperation for impending birth Be aware when you lift the tail, the mare may react and tighten her vulva. Try to observe at other times.

300 Days, vulva not relaxed, or showing extra length. This mare foaled 12 days later.

Feb 20, 2001: Showing relaxing of vulva, notice how long the slit appears. Mare foaled 6 hours after photo.

4. Inside mare's vulva will show a change in color This sign is not reliable on it's own, it can be valuable when taken into consideration with the other factors listed on these pages. Be aware anytime the mare lays down, and gets up it can briefly change the vulva color.

Feb 20, 2001 Inside vulva, showing deep scarlet color, phota taken at 4:45pm, mare foaled at 7pm.

Inside vulva 340 Days, mare foaled same day.

5. Mucus Plug The mucus plug is a thick tacky substance that during pregnancy seals the cervix closed. Another reason to check a mare's vulva is to watch for the mucus plug to be expelled. It is a clear rose sort of color as seen in the photos below. The release of the mucus plug is a sign the cervix is relaxing in preperation for labor, if you do find evidence of the mucus plug, foaling often happens within 24-48 hours. The mucus plug is also called the "Bloody Show." I recently found out that the mucus plug can also be a white/yellowish color. Photos below courtesy of Mona Stone www.lastchanceminiatures.com Thanks for sharing the photos Mona!

Mare was a maiden foaled 5 days later.

Foaling Signs Page 2

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