Stages of Pregnancy in a Mare and Foal Birth

 placenta can also cause complications.

It is very tempting to jump in and “help” the foal to its feet and guide it to the teats. This is not usually necessary. Just be sure the foal is breathing, remove any membrane that may be covering its nose, then let nature do its job. Have your vet come give the foal its first check-up to be sure the heart and lungs are working normally. The mare’s milk contains important antibodies that will protect the foal from disease until its own immune system develops. The colostrum, or first milk,

 contains these healthy benefits only during the first 24 hours after birth so it is important that the foal nurse during that time. Some new mothers are reluctant to let their foals nurse and may have to be restrained at first. Once the foal has nursed and relieved some of the painful pressure the mare feels on her udder she is usually fine and will let her foal nurse without a problem.

Now you can call your friends to come see your beautiful new foal and get the cameras rolling. But don’t overtire the mother and baby; they need their rest.