The first stage of labour for a mare is often very subtle and may be missed by many owners. It may last for up to 24 hours and is the period during which the mare is preparing to give birth. She may appear restless, slightly sweaty and may get up and down. Some mares will drip a small amount of colostrum.
The second stage of labour is when the mare gives birth. It consists of multiple forceful contractions. The foal should be delivered with 20-30 minutes of the sac rupturing (water breaking). Prolonged foaling increases the possibility of problems with the foal and mare and veterinary advice should be sought if the mare has been contracting for 30 minutes without a foal being born.
The third stage of labour is the expulsion of the placenta and is regarded as being normal if it occurs 30 minutes to 3 hours after the foal has been born. It is important to ensure that the entire sac has been expelled intact. If the mare has not passed the placenta within 3 hours of giving birth or it does not appear intact, veterinary advice should be sought.
Foals should be alert shortly after birth and should quickly make attempts to stand. A normal foal should be on its feet within 45 minutes of birth. It is imperative that foals suckle from their mothers in the first few hours of life as it is during this time that they receive colostrum and the antibodies they need to fight infection. A foal should be suckling within 2 hours of being born. Foals can become sick quickly and deteriorate even quicker. It is important that you seek veterinary advice if you are at all concerned.
