Mares provide clues that they will soon give birth. However, the timetable is far from absolute. Some mares may show all the signs like clockwork, others show practically none. The following is a general guideline, but be prepared for surprises:

• The mare's udder begins filling with milk 2-4 weeks prior to foaling.
• The muscles of the vulva and croup relax. The tailhead may become more prominent a few days prior to foaling.
• The teats become engorged 4-6 days prior to foaling.
• "Waxing" of the teats occurs. (A yellowish, honeylike secretion [colostrum] appears 1-4 days prior to foaling. The secretion may drip, and the udder may even drip milk several days prior to birth.)
• The mare becomes anxious and restless. She may appear to be colicky. She may kick at her belly, pace, lie down and get up, look or bite at her flanks, and sweat. She may frequently raise her tail and urinate. Generally, this is the first stage of labor. (However, be aware that colic remains a possibility. If this happens, I'll let you know its colic and not a baby just as soon as I can.
  
  



Labor is divided into three stages:





Stage one begins with the onset of contractions and generally lasts 1-2 hours. During this phase, contractions move the foal through the cervix and into position in the birth canal. The fetal membranes (allantois) may become visible at the mare's vulva. When the sac breaks, signaled by a rush of fluid, stage one ends.




Stage two is the actual expulsion of the foal. This phase moves relatively quickly. If it takes more than 30 minutes for the mare to deliver, there could be a problem. Call your veterinarian immediately. If labor seems to be progressing, wait and watch. Even in a normal delivery, the mare may stand up, lie down, and roll several times in an effort to properly position the foal for delivery.




Normal presentation of the foal resembles a diving position, with front feet first, one slightly ahead of the other, hooves down, followed closely by the nose, head, neck, shoulders, and hindquarters. If you notice hoof soles up, the foal may be backwards or upside down, and you should call your veterinarian immediately. If you suspect any deviation from the normal delivery position, call your equine practitioner.




Stage three labor begins after delivery and is the phase during which the afterbirth (placenta) is expelled. Most placentas are passed within 1-3 hours after the foal is delivered. If the placenta has not passed within 3 hours, call your veterinarian. A retained placenta can cause serious problems, including massive infection and laminitis.




 




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