In a 'red bag' delivery the placenta has partially or completely separated from the mares endometrium (lining of the uterus) prior to the foal being delivered. This means that the foal is getting no oxygen from the time of separation (or reduced oxygen in the case of partial separation) to the time it is delivered.
Premature placental separation results in the foal being born still inside the placenta, commonly referred to as a 'red bag delivery'. When the placenta separates prematurely the foal is not strong enough to break the placenta. As the foal is born, the first thing to be seen is the placenta – a 'red bag'.
There will be a poor outcome if no one notices the red bag delivery. The birth may be slower, and the foal cannot break through the thick placenta causing it to suffocate. “There is minimal to no chance for that foal to live. If someone is there, however, the placenta can be cut open.
In the case of a red bag delivery, carefully but rapidly cut the thick red bag with a pair of scissors. To cut the bag, simply make a small snip in the bag with the scissors before making an aggressive cut or tearing the placenta with your hands. In this way, you are certain not to cut the foal inadvertently.
Mares will generally start to 'bag up' two weeks prior to foaling, but be warned that this is not fool proof as some mares, especially maidens, may bag up much closer to foaling. Mares may produce a wax like se cretion on their teats up to three days prior to foaling.
As the anticipated date of foaling nears, the mare will begin to “bag up,” meaning she will begin producing milk and her udder will swell. Waxy plugs will begin to form on her teats and some mares will even begin to drip some milk.
The visual signs of a mare's readiness to foal are: Udder distension begins 2-6 weeks prior to foaling. Relaxation of the muscles of the croup 7-19 days prior to foaling; relaxation around the tail head, buttocks, and lips of the vulva. Teat nipples fill 4-6 days prior to foaling.
They will not eat and they may pace or walk in circles, look back toward their flank, and switch their tails. Some mares lie down and stand up repeatedly. Some will not drink water. This restless period is usually shorter for older mares.
The normal gestation length for a mare is 342 days, however this can vary considerably and can range from 315 to 400 days. It is certainly not uncommon for mares to carry their foals beyond 12 months of gestation.
Most mares will foal between the hours of 10pm and 2am, but parturition (aka birthing) can occur at any time of day. Watching them on cameras or from a distance to ensure they are not in labor and struggling is the least invasive way you can monitor them.
Start handling a foal once everything settles down.
Acclimating a foal to human touch is important and can make your life much easier when the foal is bigger. Make sure early touch is a positive experience—don't force it! The environment should be quiet, calm, and near the mare.
Some mare suffering from placentitis show no external signs and simply deliver a premature or dead foal. Mares that have suffered from placentitis during one pregnancy are at a significantly higher risk of the condition occurring again in subsequent pregnancies.
Unless it is a dire emergency, do not try to pull a foal. An exception to this rule might include a backwards presentation (or “Red Bag Delivery”), because the foal can suffocate unless delivered promptly.
Bagging up can occur anywhere from around 6 weeks prior to foaling to just days before foaling, but it is a good time to begin watching the mare. They will also form a wax-like substance on the ends of their teats, called “waxing up”, within a few days of when they will foal.
Fragile foal syndrome type 1 (FFS), formerly warmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS), is an inherited defect of connective tissue characterized by hyperextensible, abnormally thin, fragile skin and mucous membranes that are subject to open lesions.
In a 'red bag' delivery the placenta has partially or completely separated from the mares endometrium (lining of the uterus) prior to the foal being delivered. This means that the foal is getting no oxygen from the time of separation (or reduced oxygen in the case of partial separation) to the time it is delivered.
They will typically foal when the fetus is mature. So a mare that goes over significantly (more than 30 days) over her due date may have some placental dysfunction resulting in slower maturation of the fetus and a delay in foaling.
Foals born at less than 320 days' gestation are considered premature, and chances for survival decrease considerably if a foal comes earlier than 300 days. These foals are not ready for life outside the uterus, and usually need intensive care to survive.
Mares tend to foal late at night or early in the morning–the most tranquil time of day with the least intrusions. In the wild, mares typically give birth when it is dark to hide their vulnerable foals for the few hours it takes them to become physically able to rise and flee from predators.
Because foaling is an inherently painful process, owners and veterinarians must understand the steps and signs of normal parturition before they can determine if the mare's experiencing colic. Freeman explained that the first stage of pregnancy typically includes active uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix.
Stage One. This is where parturition (another word for the birthing process) begins. It usually lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, although it can be shorter in mares that are familiar with the routine. During this stage, mares become restless and almost appear colicky.
For 5-10 days after foaling, normal mares produce a reddish, bloody discharge called locia.
Mares reject foals for a variety of reasons including excessive stress around foaling time and separation during the early formative period. In some cases, there is no obvious reason. Foal rejection is more common in mares with their first foal (maiden mares).
A transrectal ultrasound of your mares uterus will give you the most information earliest in the pregnancy regarding if she is pregnant, how many days approximately is she in foal, and if there are any problems with the pregnancy.