Basic guide to each stage of foaling

1. The Stages
of
Foaling
A BASIC STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO THE STAGES OF FOALING

2. Stage 1

3. Stage 1
u The longest stage and, to some degree, can be manipulated by the mare.
u Mares can prolong this stage by hours and even days if they sense a threat
(bad weather, presence of predators, etc.)
u Generally, it may be difficult to determine when this stage starts because most
of the happenings are occurring within the uterus as the foal positions itself with
the front feet and nose in the birthing canal. Outwardly, you may see signs of
restlessness in the mare, sweating or in appetence.
u Before Stage 1 occurs, the mare has already begun to develop a full udder
and the perineal area has become relaxed.
u There is relatively little danger unless the foal does not get positioned properly.
However, this will not be evident until Stage 2 starts.
u The largest risk during Stage 1 is premature placental separation. This is termed
“red bag.”
u This stage ends once the mare’s water breaks.

4. Stage 1
”Red Bag”
u If you happen to see a feathery red “bag” protruding from the mare’s
vulva before you see feet, you must act quickly.
u The “bag” is actually the placenta, which has become detached before
the foal is born. In this situation, the foal is unable to receive oxygen from
the mare’s blood stream and needs to be born immediately.
u In this instance, you will need to open the bag and assist the mare to get
the foal out as soon as possible.
u Luckily, this does not occur commonly, but is something to be aware of
because there will not be time to wait for a veterinarian (unless you
happen to be foaling out on a farm with an on-site veterinarian) and still
have a live foal.

5. Stage 2

6. Stage 2
u This is the stage of active labor when the mare has active abdominal
presses.
u This stage goes quickly and usually does not last longer than 30 minutes.
u In a normal birth, you will see a white-bluish membrane surrounding the
foal. You should see one front foot first, then the second front foot about 6
inches behind it with the nose between the legs.
u Don’t be surprised if your mare stands up and lays down multiple times
during this stage. As the foal enters the birthing canal, this stimulates
forceful contractions from the uterus.
u Stage 2 ends when the foal is born.

7. Stage 2
Complications During Stage 2
u Problems that arise during Stage 2 usually require veterinary assistance, but having a
knowledgeable ranch hand or barn manager can help while waiting for the veterinarian
to arrive.
u The foal can be positioned incorrectly, meaning that one or both feet may not be in the
birth canal, the head may be back, or the foal can even be backwards (breech).
u In this instance, the mare will usually require an epidural to get the foal positioned correctly
without causing harm to the mare or the foal.
u As long as the placenta remains attached, the foal will be viable when born.
u In the case of a breech birth however, if the hind legs are visible, it is important to get the
foal out ASAP because the umbilical cord is pinched between the foal’s body wall and
the mare’s pelvis.
u In this situation, the foal is unable to get oxygen until it is all the way out and able to breathe
on its own.
u If your mare has been lying down and actively pushing, but you do not see feet, this
indicates a problem. Your veterinarian should be called immediately.

8. Stage 3

9. Stage 3
u This stage involves the passage of the placenta and should occur
relatively soon after the foal is born.
u There is much debate on what constitutes a retained placenta.
u Some veterinarians say that a placenta that has not passed within three hours is
considered retained, while others will wait until 24 hours.
u One thing is certain, however. If the placenta does not pass, it can set your
mare up for a uterine infection, systemic illness, and even laminitis.
u After the placenta has been passed, it should be placed in a plastic bag
for the veterinarian to examine.
u It is worth the time and money to have your mare and foal examined by a
veterinarian 24 hours after foaling. This will help ensure a healthy mare and
give your foal the best chance at a healthy start to life!