"safe date" is 300 days?

[HeritageHollowFarm]

Me again. We are day 299 from her first day of exposure(pasture bred). I believe I read the safe date for minis is 300 days?

Last night she decided we are going to enter the oh so fun phase of 'stage 1 of labor or just uncomfortable from baby moving around?'

She is slowly starting to bag, and last night was wringing her tail, moving more, kicking and biting her belly and hind quarters, breathing faster, pooping a lot, rolled twice, and was very clingy to me. I went out to check her around midnight and she was circling me and rocking back and forth or side to side when she'd stop circling. Lots of baby movement during this time, I think maybe getting in position? I was checking the camera every hour. Around 4a.m. she stood near the door to the outside and fell asleep.

I was anxious because even though we are close to day 300, that's just based on the day she went in with the stud while in heat. I don't have much info on the breeding aspect as I didn't know she was possibly pregnant until after purchase. And when my vet confirmed via ultrasound he said it was likely towards the start of the possible breeding window.

I know this could go on for awhile, I just thought I'd post on here to double check what is the safe zone, and also commiserate this next phase of the pregnancy with people who will understand the excitement and worry of it all!

Attaching some photos for fun, she's definitely potato shaped when laying down. She's loose in her back end, and hollowed out in front of her pelvis as of yesterday. Outdoor pics are from today, stall pics are last night.

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

If it matters and you haven't seen my previous posts, she's a maiden. So I'm not expecting a huge bag, or a big dip in her belly and I have no history of her usual foaling date. That would make things far too easy on me haha!

 

[NoahG]

Watching baby get into position is one of the trippiest things I've seen. She definitely looks like she's getting there! I believe 300 days is considered safe for most minis. Most people I've talked to say their mares are safe after 300 days. I'm not an expert though.
Belly isn't exactly V shaped but there's a definite dip there from the one photo I'm seeing of her from the side. You can do it little mama! Praying for you both.

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

Watching baby get into position is one of the trippiest things I've seen. She definitely looks like she's getting there! I believe 300 days is considered safe for most minis. Most people I've talked to say their mares are safe after 300 days. I'm not an expert though.
Belly isn't exactly V shaped but there's a definite dip there from the one photo I'm seeing of her from the side. You can do it little mama! Praying for you both.

Thank you! I've been telling the baby during the daily belly hugs, to make sure it has strong lungs and is really ready when it comes, but also take it easy on momma and get those legs and head in the right position haha. I'm anxious, but excited and just praying it goes smooth for them, and everyone is healthy! It would be nice though if they could just pick a day and tell us

 

[NoahG]

I've seen foals come out recognizing my voice. It's pretty amazing how they can remember your voice even before they're born.

It would be so nice if mares could politely wait, tell us "okay, baby is coming now" and let you grab coffee, your foaling kit and your phone to watch the whole thing. If only

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

I've seen foals come out recognizing my voice. It's pretty amazing how they can remember your voice even before they're born.

It would be so nice if mares could politely wait, tell us "okay, baby is coming now" and let you grab coffee, your foaling kit and your phone to watch the whole thing. If only

Right! Last night she was giving so many signs. Tonight she's cleaned up her hay and is already dozing off. Which almost makes me more suspicious haha!

 

[NoahG]

My neighbor's arabian was asleep 5 minutes before her water broke. I had almost dosed off but heard it happen! They try to fool us!

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

My neighbor's arabian was asleep 5 minutes before her water broke. I had almost dosed off but heard it happen! They try to fool us!

Oh, well that just added to my insomnia no baby last night. We are at 300 days from first exposure. So baby is safe if she does decide to drop a foal.

 

[HersheyMint]

Hi, How old is she? She sure is a cutie! Wishing a safe delivery for the mama. Keep us up to date

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

Hi, How old is she? She sure is a cutie! Wishing a safe delivery for the mama. Keep us up to date

She is 10 or 11.

 

[jandjcaptein]

My mare is around 270 days and is already so restless when she sleeps. I cant imagine what she will be going forward. I did read on one of the facebook mini forums that one breeder had a foal at 285 days perfectly healthy. The moral to that must be keep watching! Most mini breeders say 320 is average but start watching at 300 or when you have udder development. Do you have your birthing kit ready? Check her udder and we will all be wishing for a beautiful healthy baby!!

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

My mare is around 270 days and is already so restless when she sleeps. I cant imagine what she will be going forward. I did read on one of the facebook mini forums that one breeder had a foal at 285 days perfectly healthy. The moral to that must be keep watching! Most mini breeders say 320 is average but start watching at 300 or when you have udder development. Do you have your birthing kit ready? Check her udder and we will all be wishing for a beautiful healthy baby!!

Foal kit has been ready to go, no udder yet, but she's a maiden and with my luck she'll be the type to bag up as she's foaling

 

[jandjcaptein]

Yes, I am expecting a lot of sleepless nights. I have cameras on her so at least I wont have to run to the barn every 15 minutes. I am just worried about things going wrong...of course, because that is what I do! I am excited to see a healthy baby and what color SHE will be. Ha! Best of luck to you for a healthy, beautiful foal and momma!

 

[jandjcaptein]

Do you have baby pictures to share?

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

Do you have baby pictures to share?

She's still holding on! Loose in the back, very loose vulva that even stays open at times, V shaped belly, but no bag(though I can feel firm blobs when I palpate). We are at 323 days. Today she is low but also wide.

 

[LostandFound]

That looks like a lot closer of a belly.

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

That looks like a lot closer of a belly.

The side view is from Feb 29 she's been that way for a bit now. I'm pretty sure she read the foaling signs handbook and is using it to mess with me

Dropping 30°F and rain tonight so who knows!

 

[HersheyMint]

I hope she waits until it is warmer.

 

[HeritageHollowFarm]

That looks like a lot closer of a belly.

She has some discharge this morning as well.

 

[jandjcaptein]

looks like she is getting closer...