Help! First-time pregnant horse owner going crazy

[Standards Equine]

You're doing great @gypsysmama . Mares will foal when they feel like it and not a moment before. And if you're fretting and worrying, they'll take longer about it - guaranteed!!

What you're going to look for daily is what colour the fluid you can express from the teats is. When you see it go from clear/yellow to milky white colour, you're close. Go get some pH strips and test the pH twice a day. When you see it drop down to about 6.4, you can start foal watch. She will foal within 12-24 hours from there.

 

[gypsysmama]

You're doing great @gypsysmama . Mares will foal when they feel like it and not a moment before. And if you're fretting and worrying, they'll take longer about it - guaranteed!!

What you're going to look for daily is what colour the fluid you can express from the teats is. When you see it go from clear/yellow to milky white colour, you're close. Go get some pH strips and test the pH twice a day. When you see it drop down to about 6.4, you can start foal watch. She will foal within 12-24 hours from there.

Thank you so much for this advice. I just went out to check on her and I can't express anything from her teats, nothing comes out. So, I must have a ways to go then huh?

 

[Standards Equine]

Yup, but that can change quickly so do check daily.

 

[gypsysmama]

Anyone able to tell me how close she is? Udders tonight and she didn't eat all of her dinner tonight.

 

[elizabeth.conder]

That udder is getting more serious. Should fill more but they don’t always follow the rules. Are you testing milk ph?

 

[gypsysmama]

That udder is getting more serious. Should fill more but they don’t always follow the rules. Are you testing milk ph?

Nothing is coming out of her teats. I tried tonight when cleaning between her udders.

 

[gypsysmama]

Help! I just noticed this lump at the bottom of her belly. Is this normal or should I call my vet?
Also, new udder photos from today as well as a rear shot

 

[elizabeth.conder]

It is edema. Not totally unusual. Getting them moving usually helps. Udder is getting there. In theory it will fill more but I would definitely be watching her.

 

[gypsysmama]

It is edema. Not totally unusual. Getting them moving usually helps. Udder is getting there. In theory it will fill more but I would definitely be watching her.

Thank you for responding so quickly. I was feeling nauseous something was wrong. I've been walking her every night since daylight savings. I guess I should step it up and walk her in the morning.

 

[gypsysmama]

How's she looking? Still unable to express

 

[LostandFound]

Starting to look like you might have a foal before I do.

 

[gypsysmama]

Starting to look like you might have a foal before I do.

Is it safe to say if I can't express anything from her teats , she's has a ways to go?
Or, is it possible she won't have milk to express until the day or hour of?
I'm obviously keeping a close eye but I fear I'm gonna miss it and she has complications and I won't be there to help. If I knew she was close I would sleep in the tack room to make sure I didn't miss anything

 

[elizabeth.conder]

Unfortunately it’s not safe to say that. Some don’t let down milk until AT foaling or even after. That udder is definitely building. The tears should point down/out instead of in but it can change fast. With how it’s filling in around her legs, she is definitely headed in the right direction.

 

[gypsysmama]

Unfortunately it’s not safe to say that. Some don’t let down milk until AT foaling or even after. That udder is definitely building. The tears should point down/out instead of in but it can change fast. With how it’s filling in around her legs, she is definitely headed in the right direction.

Ok. She also has been extremely itchy, maybe from the shedding but also, she's not eating all her grain at dinner and that's her favorite! That started about 3 night ago but every night she's leaving food in her bucket.
Been feeling real anxious. I really appreciate this forum! Thank you!

 

[gypsysmama]

Udders this morning, straining out a bit, yes?

 

[elizabeth.conder]

Getting there for sure!!! I think it will fill more though. When you can, can you get a pic from the side so we can see belly position?

 

[gypsysmama]

Here you go!

 

[elizabeth.conder]

Starting to make big changes! Nice udder now although teats should still fill. Belly is dropped and moving forward of center!

 

[LostandFound]

Yes, she is getting close! Probably. I think they are all itchy this time of year.

 

[gypsysmama]

Update today 4/2