Transcript Basics of Parturition

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
– 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
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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