Veterinarian Angela Smith BVSc outlines the foaling process and signs to look for in a mare who is about to deliver.
Before foaling
One of the first signs is the distended udder. During the last month, the udder usually enlarges. The mare’s udder may fill up at night while she is resting and shrink during the day while she exercises. When the udder remains full throughout the day then foaling is probably imminent. The mare should be watched closely.
Filling of the teats
as the udder enlarges. The upper portion of the teat is stretched in a manner that is difficult to distinguish it from the rest of the udder. The lower portion of the teat remains small but as foaling gets nearer the teat enlarges and is reflected outward by the increasing pressure from within the udder.
Relaxation of the muscles of the pelvic area
Relaxation of this region usually occurs about 3 weeks before foaling. These changes allow the fetus to pass through the birth canal with greater ease. This process is gradual and may not be seen on all mares but in most a distinctive change in the appearance can be seen. A hollow develops on either side of the root of the tail as muscles of the hip and buttock area start to relax. This area can be examined each day when the mare is checked. The abdomen becomes increasingly pendulous as it enlarges and about a week before foaling it may appear to shrink as the foal shifts into position in preparation for foaling. This change is not always seen in all mares.
Waxing
This is when wax-like beads appear at the end of each teat — they are droplets of colostrum. They can appear anywhere between 12-36 hours before foaling or a week or two before foaling. It does not occur in some mares so is not a reliable method of predicting foaling occurrence.
Relaxation of the vulva
Within the last 24-48 hours before foaling, the mare’s vulva can be observed to swell and relax in preparation for stretching several times its normal size to allow passage of the foal.
Milk flow
The appearance of wax on the end of the teats can also be accompanied by droplets of milk. Although wax and milk secretion usually indicate delivery will occur very soon, many mares foal without either, while some mares drip or stream milk for several days before foaling. Unfortunately, mares who stream milk before foaling lose large amounts of colostrum, the vital first milk that contains antibodies and a laxative for the newborn foal. Mares showing spontaneous milk flow should be closely watched, not only for the onset of foaling but also to determine how much colostrum is lost during this period. If the mare is losing a significant quantity it should be collected and frozen. Colostrum can be thawed and fed to the newborn foal at birth.
Restlessness
Many mares exhibit behaviour changes. During the last few weeks of gestation a mare can become cranky and restless, and as she enters the first stage of labour, she usually wants to be left alone. She may walk continually in the pasture or stall, swish her tail, look at her sides, or kick at her abdomen. These signs are also indicative of colic, but if the mare eats, drinks, defecates and urinates frequently then the first stage of labour is probably in progress.
Sweating
As labour approaches the mare often breaks into a sweat. The mare’s neck and flanks may feel warm and damp or a general sweat all over the body might occur.
Parturition, or the process of foaling
The progression of the physical changes that occur in foaling is divided into three distinct stages.
-stage one – positioning of the foal
-stage two – delivery of the foal
-stage three – the expulsion of the placenta
The ability to recognise each stage and to follow the normal chain of events that occur during each phase allows the attendant of the mare to be able to assess whether that mare needs assistance. They need to be able to recognise if the second or third stage of labour is delayed or altered in some way from the normal expectations. Fortunately, 90% of mares foal normally.
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First Stage
This is when the foetus gradually shifts from a position on its back, rotating until its head and forelimbs are extended in the birth canal. The outward signs are restlessness and sweating of the flanks. As the uterine contractions become more severe, the mare may become very nervous, pacing, walking fence lines, looking at her flanks, kicking at her abdomen, and she may paw the ground. She may even get up and down several times to help position the foal. Pastured mares usually move away from other mares and may seek an isolated corner of the paddock. While some mares show few signs during this stage others show marked distress for several hours. Transitory contractions that occur without cervical dilatation cause the mare to show signs of distress then “cool off ” several times before the foal actually moves into the birth canal. Once these signs are recognised the attendant should check the mare and then observe from a discreet distance.
The end of the first stage is marked by the rupture of the allantoic membrane and a sudden release of allantoic fluid, a process that helps lubricate the birth canal. This usually occurs 1-4 hours after the onset of the first stage.
Second stage
Delivery of the foal is characterised by very strong contractions of the abdominal and uterine muscles. During this period the mare usually positions herself on her side with her legs fully extended to facilitate voluntary straining that aids her expulsion efforts. She may get up and down several times to help position the foal or may even move around with the foal’s head and legs protruding. If labour continues while the mare is standing someone should catch the foal and lower it to the ground gently to help it avoid injury. If the mare should lie down next to a wall or a fence the attendant should make sure there is plenty of room for the foal’s delivery. If the mare is too close to an obstacle the mare should be made to get up and allow her to find a new position, where the perineal region is free.
The foal is normally presented in an upright position, with its head tucked between extended forelegs. (This is the time the attendant usually checks the foal’s position by inserting an arm into the mare’s vagina after she breaks water. This should be done with a sterile gloved arm or after the arms are suitably scrubbed thoroughly in the appropriate antiseptic solution).
As the head and neck appear, enclosed in the bluish-white amnion, the foal’s shoulders pass through the pelvic opening. One foot is usually positioned slightly in front of the other to help reduce the circumference of the foal’s shoulder and thereby ease its passage through the birth canal. After this critical period the mare usually rests for a short time and then delivers the rest of the foal with relative ease.
The amnionic foetal membranes are usually broken as the foal emerges or as it first attempts to lift its head. If the membrane is not broken immediately after the foal’s delivery the attendant should tear the membrane to clear the nasal passages so the foal can breathe, so as to prevent suffocation of the foal.
After the foal’s hips have passed through the mare’s pelvis the mare usually rests once more. The foal’s hindlegs may remain in the mare’s vagina for several minutes. In this time it allows the foal to receive essential blood from the placenta via the umbilical cord and should not be interrupted. In most cases, the time from rupture of the membrane to the post-delivery rest period is completed in minutes, but a range of 10 to 60 minutes is considered normal. As the mare rises or as the foal struggles to stand the umbilical cord usually breaks. Because the foal receives a significant amount of blood from the placenta via the umbilical cord, the cord should not be prematurely ruptured.
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Third Stage
Expulsion of the placenta is the last stage of labour. This usually occurs within three hours. However, the normal range is 10 minutes to 8 hours. During this period the uterine contractions continue to proceed in an effort to expel the placenta. The mare will exhibit signs of discomfort.
The placenta is expelled inside out because the contractions cause inversion of the placenta as it comes away from the lining of the uterus. The purpose of these contractions is also to cleanse the uterus of fluid and debris and return the expanded uterus to its normal size.
As this stage may last several hours it may be helpful for the attendant to tie the afterbirth in a knot that hangs above the mare’s hocks. This will help prevent the mare from stepping on the membranes and tearing them out prematurely but also adds gentle pressure, using gravity to aid in expelling the placenta.
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The attendant should not attempt to pull the placenta from the mare’s reproductive tract as this could cause tears and leave remnants of placenta that could cause future uterine infections.
Retention of even small pieces of placenta is a potentially very serious condition. Once the placenta is passed it is a good policy to lay it flat on the ground and check it is all intact.
There is new evidence that suggests that the weight of the placenta correlates to the condition of the mare’s reproductive tract, and also correlates to the health of the foal. The normal placental weight in light horses is 10 to 13 pounds.
The texture of the membrane is important. If the membrane is thick and tough or if it shows haemorrhagic spots, then placental infection might be suspected. When the placenta has been infected the foal will often show some abnormality at birth. Close examination of the placenta is important. If you have any doubts keep the placenta in a plastic-lined and covered bucket with a small amount of water to keep moist until your veterinarian can examine it.
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The amnion has a translucent white appearance, while the allantochorion is normally red and velvety on one side and light-coloured on the other. The placental membranes consist of the amnion that encloses the emerging foal and the allantochorion.
Sometimes brown bodies of putty-like consistency can be found when examining the placenta; they can also sometimes be expelled when the mare’s waters break. These are harmless remnants that are believed to originate from minerals and proteins deposited in the allantoic cavity during gestation.
So, in summary, the following points should be noted and recorded by the attendant about the placenta.
- The time required to expel the placenta after the foal’s birth.
- Absence of any pieces (this can simply be checked by filling the allantochorion with water to check for holes or tears).
- The condition of the membranes, weight, colour, thickness, and presence of any haemorrhagic spots).
Occasionally the mare can show signs of colic after the third stage of labour is complete. If the pains are caused by cramping of the empty uterus are severe in the mare, veterinary attention may be required to relieve her discomfort during this adjustment period.
After foaling, the mare should be watched carefully for 4 to 5 days. It is normal for the mare to have a dark red discharge for 6 to 7 days, but if a yellow discharge is seen this indicates infection. This requires veterinary attention.
First published on Horsetalk in 2006.
Hi there,
My Mini Pony has had a blood test, and is apparently in foal, and due in a week or two. Although she hasn’t seemed to become large around the girth and thereafter, and still looks like a slender/fat pony.
Why is that?
Could it just be a small foal?
My mare is waxing and vulva is long gated but not swollen a lot this is her 1st foal my vet not sure when she was foaled we are guessing she seems to be aggravated paseing fence line and hollow in hip area but no signs of sweating yet I’m checking her nightly around 1AM I have only had horses a few months 1st time owner I m terribly nervous any other signs I can look for in stage one everything I have read nothing real definite.
I have a mare 9 months. She old and I think her frist time. She has a bump on her belly does anyone know what this could be. Should I worry??
My mare is about to foal any time now she was checked in october of 2019 and confirmed pregnant, Her udder filled up huge with milk and now has receded like she has no milk. She is still huge in her belly so can this happen right before foaling? This is her second foal. She has not waxed up yet and is not leaking milk. I am very confused.Thanks
I had a mare who had 4 foals previously. I wanted to breed from her with my stud stallion. She showed all sighs of pregnancy but was not pregnant.
I am owned (lol) by a 7 year old Tennessee Walker. She has had 1 foal already, my understanding it was about 2 years ago. I just purchased her (her name is Ms Gypsy Queen) in September of 2019.
She was on pasture where she was at, with several other horses, including males. It is now mid February. She’s been on my farm for 5 1/2 months now.
She was malnourished and underweight when I got her, weighing approximately 750lbs. She is up to an acceptable weight now… A little too much. My husband and I have noticed her extended belly, and questioned if she was pregnant.
We have a security system installed in our barn, and my husband has actually seen her abdomen MOVE. And feeling her belly, it’s hard and firm, not “flabby”.
So, we have absolutely NO IDEA when she will deliver her foal, because she got bred bevy beforei purchased her, and her previous owners have NO IDEA when she got bred.
I am in the process of finding an equine vet near me but haven’t found one yet.
Can anyone help me in trying to determine how far along she might be; When she might deliver; What do I need to do to prepare her stall/area and maybe even HER for delivery; And anything else you might feel inclined to advise me on.
I’ve owned horses in the past, but they’ve been geldings. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.
My mare has waxed now for 36 hours. Her tweets are like inverted though. They have not come down. Her bag is hard and a lot of edema in utter. Can she be close to delivering or can this waxing go on until teets fill and come down? Her railhead has softened some but hard to tell. She is a very muscular solid horse. Her vulva is not elongated but appears to be softening. She is at 319 days, maiden. I’m concerned as to how long a
She can actually have wax before delivering
That is a sad experience, and a hard lesson. I had mares together and an older experienced mare stole the baby. It had to be separated and reintroduced to it’s mother. All went well after that.
If my mare waxed before her foal last year will she wax before this foal?
That was an incredible story. I’m so proud of your son for going the extra mile…not many sons would be willing to do that. Kuddos to him. So proud…I watch Dr. Poll so I think if I have to do it, I might know how but scared to do it also. My pregnant rescue mare is due any day (according to signs I’ve read about). I pray It all goes well and no complications. I can’t wait to meet our surprise baby.
I once had a mare that was about four days to give birth. I was going to an auction and asked my son to stay and check in on the mare once or twice while I was gone. I told him what was a normal birth and what would be abnormal, but not to worry, she was not giving birth that day. About 1/2 an hour after I left he checked on the mare and said she started peeing a ton of pee, gallons. Then he said a white bag thing started coming out of her and then a hoof, then a whole leg, just one. He ran in and called the vet and the vet told him to douse his hands and arms up past his elbows with iodine and push the leg back into the mare, feel around for the other leg that was bent, and pull it forward and he’d stay on the phone while he did that and to come back and tell him what was happening. My son did what the vet said and the foal slid right out, so he ran back to talk to the vet. The vet asked if the foal was breathing and my son said he couldn’t tell because it was struggling to get up. Ha Ha!!. It was a beautiful foal and thanks to my 21 year old son, both mare and foal lived. He had to explain his red dyed arms to his coworkers the next day, and they were amazed! He was a hero!
I am doing my first breeding so far and I would like some help. I have bred two mares with the same stallion each a month apart. One of them looks really fat and pregnant but she isn’t due for another 2 months and the other one is starting to belly out but she is due next month. Is it possible that one of them might have twins?
Thanks, Adele
My horse gave birth and the placenta is half way out .we did not notice in till 20 hours later. I help her pull it out gently not tears or missing pieces of the sac just a bad smell .she was happy I help her i pulled she pushed .she is doing fine .do I need to give her any thing
How did your project go?
I had a mare foal in the field with one other horse and it turned out to be devastating he just got a little bit close to check out the situation the mare bucked and kicked stepped on the foals leg and caused a compound fracture I had to have the foal put down
My mare is due to have a foal and we didn’t have her when the stallion done it to her and she I big right now
Hi
Taylee,
What you should do is start out with a another paddock next to the last one and move one horse into it then every month move a little more they will get used to it they think with out one another then they will not be safe. So start out slow that is what I did now I can ride with out disappointment.
To, Bri
I have a mare that’s due the 21 of this month
Today she has stopped eating like she does and has been laying down now again could she be going into labor
Bri,
What do u do if u have two horses that grew up together and won’t leave each other’s side??? We have tried to separate them and they did not like that!!
I have a mare in foal approx. 4 months along..a about month ago a she met up with the new gelding on my property and she started indicating that she wanted to mate with him..is this normal when there in foal
Hi all,
Okay so I have a haflinger mare who is due March 25th but yesterday and today she has been sweating. She was inside for 3 days straight because I was sick but was out in the pasture today and might have gotten too much hay while inside but I did cut down today just in case it was a bit of colic. Although it has been unusually warm for January here in Washington and she is shedding already as well. I’m not too concerned that it is colic though I just need reassurance that it has to due to her hormones out in fact I need to call a vet and have her checked. Advice? Thanks!
a couple of years ago i had 2 mares, both were bred to the same stallion. one mare got fat and round and had milk, while the other showed no signs of being pregnant. the 1 that showed no signs had a healthy filly on valentine’s 2013. the one that showed signs of pregnancy never foaled, so long story short, i have also seen a false pregnancy.
My mare is due in October (she was bred in November before we bought her) but she was getting milk (this is her first foal that we know of) she lost milk in one teat but has milk in the other what is the cause of this? Also her butt gets squishy then the next thing you know it’s firm again? I really don’t know if we are losing the baby or this is a normal part of gestation. Please get back with me asap I am worried.
Our mare is a seasoned broad mare, having two babies so far. She is now pregnant with her third colt. She has bagged up, has been walking in spells with her tail up (for three days now), she is eating okay, and will come to me for attention as usual. She is walking more stiffly now. We have checked her vagina and it is elongated and has discharge, we can actually open her up slightly and she has been dilating. How much longer do you think she has before finally foaling? Today is her fourth day.
In addition to the above mentioned information about foaling mares, you might find it interesting to check some more videos at foalinmare.com, have a nice breeding season,
chrz
Jan
Sometimes the stallion will be ok but the mare will ususally separate herself when she’s getting close. That way he’s still in reach but I would take him out if you think he’ll bother her AT all
I had a mare that was mounted by our gelding pony and she started swelling in the teats and produced milk. It was a false pregnancy. I’ve never heard of it happening to anyone else but I guess it’s possible.
I would be afraid the stallion will kill the foal. I would definitely take him out. I have had stallions, and they are way more trouble than they are worth. Always into something.
Not all mares get huge when pregnant my mare is on her second baby! And she really doesn’t show till the end.
I have also got a question. My mare is got the hollow hips, bagged up, and getting ready to foal any time. My question is do I take my stallion out of the pen with her before she has her baby? Or leave him in to protect her from wild dogs as she gives birth? Any help would be welcome.
My mare is also doing a heavy spotting she’s got milk – not due to end of March but acts like she is ready is this normal?
Is it normal for made to spot blood before foaling
I have a 6 year old mare that was bred by my 2 year old now gelding. I found out in Novemeber that she was due in about 60 days per my vet’s best guess. She is a maiden mare and is starting to show signs of foaling. she has been really nasty (cranky) over the last few weeks. Do you think she could foal earlier. We are not sure when she was bred as this was not a planned breeding and completely unexspected. Any advise would be great
How do I know if a horse has trouble foaling?
I have a mare who is too old to foal and when I look at her body it looks like the foal might have turned. What is the signs that I have to look for? I really do not want to lose her.
Hello you should take her away and have her separate and keep a good eye on her. Hope everything hoses well and Good luck!
My mare is due in the next two weeks , first time for us too, she was also showing signs of being in season when the boys were e around ,which made me doubt that she was in foal, so I rang the breeder and she told me not to worry too much,that it was more likely to be hormones, she also mentioned that she had a mare due to foal the next day, and as she walked the mare past the stallion… the mare was squirting all over the place, since then my mare is definitely looking like she is in foal and has stopped showing for the boys.
Is it possable for a mare to come in heat while pregnatn? I didnt think so but my mare is pregnant and my stud keeps trying to mount her and she acts like she might be in season. I have walked the property to see if she had possable lost the colt but have not found any signs of that.
Thank you,
Jerry
I have a 10 yr old QH Mare she has a 2.5 yr old filly not with her now but she has had milk now going on 2 weeks. I have not bred her this last year so this is confusing. all I have to do is touch her & she squirts lots of milk.. thanks
My mare is waxing and vulva is long gated but not swollen a lot this is her 1st foal my vet not sure when she was foaled we are guessing she seems to be aggravated paseing fence line and hollow in hip area but no signs of sweating yet I’m checking her nightly around 1AM I have only had horses a few months 1st time owner I m terribly nervous any other signs I can look for in stage one everything I have read nothing real definite
I must undergo a Research Project and I have chosen to do it on the topic of a dam and a foal and the issues they face during a period of 4 months. This will involve the problems they will be presented with during the last month of the pregnancy, the birth and the raising and growth of the new born foal during its first 3 months of life. I will be looking at what are classified as ‘normal’ symptoms during the pregnancy and the process of the birth. This will also include the potential problems which may be faced. I will not however be talking about anything to do with the education and training side of raising a foal. I will merely be focusing on the problems which may be faced and how these could be minimised.
The question I have chosen is:
What are the potential problems with pregnancy, birthing and raising of a foal and how can these be minimised?
could you possibly help by aiding me with some helpful information?
Thank you!
Bri,
How long ago did you have the ultrasound? Has the mare foaled before? I would be concerned that she had aborted the foal, if she was not showing any other signs. Any temperament changes? Perhaps call the vet who did the ultrasound and ask their opinion – maybe they will do another at a discounted rate. If all else fails, do the ultrasound. Better to know, especially if she was pregnant and now isn’t – that is a problem to address (why did she lose, when did she lose, cause, prognosis for recovery and/or future foals).
Good Luck, and prayers for you!
I had my mare bred back in April and had her vet checked and they said she was definitely in foal. But she is due to foal the beginning of March but it seems like her belly hasn’t gotten to big. Most horses ive seen that are in foal have huge bellies, but she doesnt seem to have a big belly. Is there any signs i can look for instead of calling the vet for another ultrasound?
We also have a mare that was bred early in the year,
February 6-10, 2012. As we bought her bred and were told
she was due January 6th, I started preparing a stall for her last
week, the second week of December. It is her third foal.
Last week she began hollowing in the hips and the area on the
absolute bottom of her belly began to swell on both sides of middle.
I have been keeping a close eye on her as her pasture mate is
a large, protective Percheron.
Two days ago, her vulva began to extend, her belly lowered and
I just noticed at her two a.m. check that where her hips had hollowed,
is now filled up as though she were straining.
She has been separated from her pasture mate in a large stall with
small run of her own every night.
These are signs that the foal is moving into position.
I walk her morning and night, for excersize and to assist in
birthing.
As a precaution, the mare should be separate. She isn’t going
to worry about her ‘friends’ when her foal is due. Her mind will be elsewhere.
Better safe.
Hope your foal arrived healthy and bright.
Hi.
My mare is turned out with a stallion and was covered by him on Jan 7 this year, and a couple of days thereafter. She has declined his ‘attention’ ever since.
We assume she is due to foal anytime now and are preparing accordingly. However, a few horsey experts have suggested that she would not be able to conceive so early in the year as the reproductive ‘cycle’ shuts down at this time and although they have not observed her, they guess she will foal in the spring. The vet did attend her for a scan in early september and on observation he said that she was definately in-foal and to save my money and not worry about a scan.
She is huge, has softened at her tail area (about 3 weeks) and is definately showing signs of bagging up.
Now I am getting really confused.!
I Don’t want to move her away from her friends and bring her home here prematurely, but I dread her foaling outside in the field if I leave it too late.
Your help or advice please?.
Thanks,
Jenny