Parturition

Parturition What is Parturition The act or process of giving birth

Signs of Parturition Distended (swollen) Udder Mother begins to produce colostrum Muscles in the rear end begin to shrink and fall away Mother becomes uneasy and nervous Muscle contractions are evident

Stages of Parturition First Stage Second Stage Third Stage Restlessness of animal due to minor contractions, several hours before parturition Second Stage First water bag will appear until it ruptures from its own weight Third Stage Amniotic bladder (second water bag) will follow, The fetus is inside that

Common Fetus Presentation Front feet first, followed by nose which is resting on them Shoulders Middle Hips Hind legs and feet

Abnormal Presentation Anterior Presentations Hind feet in Pelvis Both forelegs bent at the knees Head upward and backwards One foreleg bent at the knees Buttocks presentation Back presentation

Abnormal Presentation What should be done to assist when abnormalities are present.

Immediate action following Parturition Gently remove all mucus from offspring’s mouth and nasal passages Position offspring so the mother can begin to dry it off, if the mother doesn’t dry off the offspring, begin to manually dry. Dip navel cord with iodine to prevent infection.

New-born offspring Vigorous new-born will attempt to stand in about 15 minutes Human assistance is sometimes necessary New-born offspring should receive colostrum within one hour May need to bottle feed if it doesn’t nurse.

Afterbirth Also known as the placenta Usually expelled within 6 hours of parturition If not expelled within 24 hours it will lead to problems with uterine infections

Things to remember Check for proper fetal presentation Assist with delivery only when necessary Clear nasal passages and check for breathing immediately Make sure offspring receives colostrum Move to appropriate facility