How To Tell When A Horse Is In Labor
Introduction
Whether you’ve owned horses for years or just purchased your first one, knowing the signs of when your mare is in labor can be a lifesaver. The following are a few ways to tell when your horse is getting close to her due date and how to help ensure a safe and healthy delivery.
Recognize the signs of a mare coming into season.
It’s important to recognize the signs of a mare coming into season. This is because you want to be prepared for when she enters labor so that you can help her through it, and also so that she doesn’t end up being pregnant by accident.
The first thing to look for is changes in behavior, such as urinating more often than usual or acting restless. You’ll also notice some physical changes: the vulva will become swollen with blood and mucus discharge, there might be swelling along the back of her tailbone and/or on her lower abdomen, and there may be clear discharge from one or both nostrils (this could indicate an infection). The vulva will become very soft and pinkish-red during this time as well!
Notice if your mare’s behavior changes.
The first thing to note is whether your mare has changed in any way. Does she seem more tired or less active than usual? Has she been eating more than normal, or does she not seem to have an appetite at all? If you notice any of these things, rest assured: your mare may be in labor.
Other signs include changes in behavior and attitude. Is she irritable, or is her demeanor unusually calm? Does the horse seem nervous or anxious around other horses and humans (this could indicate that they know what’s going on), while others tend to be calmer when they are expecting a baby (again, this could mean that they know something).
Changes in appearance can also help you determine if your horse is pregnant: for example, as soon as I knew my mare was pregnant with her first foal (babies come from female horses), I noticed that her hips had begun rounding out—that happened before any other physical change took place!
Examine your mare carefully to see if she is pregnant.
You will be able to tell if your mare is pregnant by examining her carefully. Check for a pregnancy sac and fetus, then look for a placenta and mare’s milk. Examine the mare’s urine and feces as well as her udder.
Check the vulva of your mare at least once a day.
The first step to helping your mare when she’s in labor is knowing when she’s in labor. There are a few key signs that indicate she is close to foaling, but it’s important to note that not all horses exhibit the same symptoms. Some may show signs of early labor for days, while others might show no signs at all until they are actively pushing out their baby.
The most important thing you can do as a horse owner is pay attention to your mare and watch for any changes in her behavior or appearance.
Record how often the mare’s belly contracts and relaxes.
You can tell when a mare is in labor by the frequency of her contractions.
- Count the number of times she has a contraction per minute. Contractions may be mild, moderate or strong, and they may be regular or irregular.
- If there are fewer than three contractions per minute, it’s not likely that this mare is in labor.
Keep careful watch over your pregnant mare throughout her pregnancy and into labor.
During your mare’s pregnancy, keep a close eye on her and notice any changes in her behavior or physical health. If you notice that she is getting less interested in food or water, if she seems off-balance or uncoordinated, if she seems to be losing weight despite having an appetite, if she is coughing more often than usual—or any other change that seems out of the ordinary—call your veterinarian immediately. The sooner you can get help for her, the better chance the foal has at being born healthy.
A few simple behaviors and physical signs are enough to tell you when your horse is about to go into labor.
A few simple behaviors and physical signs are enough to tell you when your horse is about to go into labor. Your mare will spend time rolling, pawing, and biting the ground. She may also raise up on her hind legs while leaning against a fence or stall wall—a behavior that’s known as “legging.” These actions indicate that she’s getting ready for birth.
If you notice any of these signs in your mare, immediately contact your veterinarian so they can prepare for the impending birth. It’s important to have veterinary assistance available because there are several things that could go wrong during childbirth, such as premature foaling or umbilical cord prolapse (when the foal’s umbilical cord falls out of his body before he does).
Conclusion
All in all, it’s a pretty exciting time. This is a big moment for your horse and you want to make sure that it goes smoothly. By understanding the signs of labor, you can ensure that your horse stays safe and healthy during this time. We know that this can be confusing, but we hope we’ve helped you understand it better!