Symptoms and Stages of Pregnancy in Horses
After about 315 days of pregnancy, an owner should watch the mare closely for impending signs of foaling. For example, the yellowish fluid will turn into the first milk or colostrum. The udder may drip, and the muscles around her tail head will become more relaxed. Her belly may appear to drop, as the foal positions for birth.4 At this point, birth is imminent, and the mare must be checked frequently for signs of foaling.
Shortly before birth, the mare will appear to be restless, she may paw the ground, or repeatedly look toward her flank (hip) area on either side (similar to colic symptoms). She should be stalled in a large, clean stall, preferably bedded with straw. The mare may lie down and get up repeatedly, but she will likely give birth lying down. First, the amniotic sac may be visible, and then the foal's front hooves and nose should appear. The foal is normally delivered within a few minutes at this stage.
Occasionally, a foal is in the 'breech' position. Sometimes the mare or foal is injured during the birthing process or may have other issues that require urgent or professional attention.
What Is the Breech Position?
When the hind limbs or quarter of the foal is delivered first.
Horse owners should also be aware of a "red bag" delivery. This is a critical emergency that cannot be delayed (not even for the arrival of the vet). During normal foaling, a whitish, translucent membrane should first appear through the vulva of the mare. This membrane should encase the foal. If, however, a bright red, velvety membrane appears instead, coming through the vulva of the mare, this indicates that the placenta has prematurely separated from the inner lining of the uterus.
