The birth process can be divided into 3 phases:

  1. Unlocking phase
    This is the first stage: the uterus starts to contract and the foal starts to turn into the right position. The mare becomes restless, she can start to sweat a bit and show colic symptoms.
  2. Expulsion phase
    This phase follows the dilation phase. The blue water bladder bursts and the foal turns with its forelegs in the birth canal towards the vulva. The mare starts pushing and normally the foal is born within 20 minutes. A foal in a normal presentation is in a diving position: first the forelegs appear, followed by the head and the rest of the body.
  3. Afterbirth
    The placenta (= afterbirth) normally comes out of the mare within an hour. Some mares have some afterpains to get the placenta out.
    Within 10 minutes the umbilical cord breaks by itself due to movement of the foal and/or the mare. The mare licks the foal completely clean and dry. It takes about two hours before the foal drinks by itself from the mare. The colostrum (= first mother's milk) is very important for the foal's antibodies. Thanks in part to the colostrum, the meconium (= first manure of the foal) comes off more easily. The meconium is dark, tough and sticky.

 

The birthing process of a mare is a fast process, in which unfortunately things can sometimes go wrong. When should you call the vet (immediately)?

  • The mare has been straining hard for minutes, the water bladder has burst but there are no two hooves visible. Foals in abnormal position cannot be born without assistance in most cases. The vet can help to turn the foal properly in most cases.
  • Red bag delivery: a dark red hard 'bag' with a star shape comes out. The placenta detaches from the uterus and it comes out with the amniotic sac and foal. Calling/intervening quickly is of vital importance for the foal!
  • Placenta (= afterbirth) does not come out. On average it takes 45 minutes to a few hours. If the placenta is not out after 3 hours, it is important to contact the vet. The mare can become very ill if the afterbirth does not come out.
  • The afterbirth is not complete. Always check that the afterbirth is complete to prevent illness of the mare.

How do you check the afterbirth? Look for the hole where the foal came out (see star in the picture) and put it on the ground. Then there are two ends of the uterine horns and the umbilical cord. Make an F-shape of the ends (see picture). If in doubt: keep the afterbirth in a bucket with a damp tea towel over it, so that the vet can check the afterbirth.

Healthy foal, and then?

The foal was born healthy and the partus (= delivery) went well. What should you pay attention to? After birth, the eyes are open and the sucking reflex should be present. The foal breathes calmly and regularly. After a few minutes, the foal lifts its head and starts shaking. Within 5 to 10 minutes, the foal lies down in a sternal position. After half an hour, the foal starts to stand and usually the foals drink the first milk within an hour to an hour and a half after birth. The meconium (= first stool) usually comes after 2 hours. The foal may strain for this. The first urine only appears after 9 hours.

 

Does the foal not get going, are the ears hanging down, does the foal not want to drink etc.? Always call the vet if you do not trust it or if you have doubts. Foals are very vulnerable and especially the first hours are crucial. An (extra) check by the vet is not an unnecessary luxury