Normal Parturition

Question 1

What are the 3 Ps of fetal presentation?

Answer 1

Presentation, Position, Posture

Question 2

Describe “presentation” of the fetus:

Answer 2

Longitudinal axis of the fetus in relation to the birth canal
Anterior vs. Posterior

Question 3

Describe “position” of the fetus:

Answer 3

Relationship of the DORSUM of the fetus to the quadrants of the maternal pelvis
Dorso-sacral vs. Dorsopubic

Question 4

Describe “posture” of the fetus:

Answer 4

Position of the extremities, head, and neck of the fetus
Examples: head back, wry neck, leg back,

Question 5

What is the “normal” presentation of a fetus?

Answer 5

Anterior presentation
Dorsal-sacral position
Front limbs and head extended

Question 6

Stage 1 of parturition:

Answer 6

Overall restlessness
+/- Anorexia
Separation from herd/flock
Ends with rupture of chorioallantoic membrane

Question 7

Stage 2 of Parturition:

Answer 7

Active contractions with pushing
Ends with passage of the fetus
Should be rapid!

Question 8

Stage 3 of Parturition:

Answer 8

Expulsion of fetal tissue (placenta)
In litter bearing species, cycle between stage 2 and 3 until all fetuses delivered

Question 9

Stage 1 of Bovine parturition is typically longer in:

Answer 9

Heifers

Question 10

How long does Stage 1 typically last in Bovine species?

Answer 10

Average 6 hours, up to 24 hours

Question 11

Stage 2 in Bovine species typically lasts:

Answer 11

2-4 hours on average
Calf can survive up to 8 hours if umbilicus is intact

Question 12

How long on average should we see the placenta pass in bovine species?

Answer 12

8 hours on average

Question 13

Describe Stage 1 specifically for Equine species:

Answer 13

Most mares foal at night, 12a-6a
1-4 hours on average
Can delay if interrupted (need quiet/cameras in foaling barn)

Question 14

Describe Stage 2 in Equine species:

Answer 14

Frequent urination/defecation
Pushing & delivery
11-20 min on average (forceful/fast)

Question 15

Describe Stage 3 in Equine:

Answer 15

Pass placenta in whole by 3 hours (need to layout and check)
“1, 2, 3 Rule”
-Foal standing within 1 hour
-Foal standing and nursing within 2 hours
-Placenta passes entirely in 3 hours

Question 16

Typical time for Stage 1 of Small Ruminants?

Answer 16

Primiparous: 2-12 hours
Pluriparous: 1-2 hours

Question 17

Typical time for Stage 2 for Small Ruminants?

Answer 17

1-3 hours on average, depends on number of fetuses

Question 18

Timeline for Stage 3 for Small Ruminants?

Answer 18

Pass placenta in whole by 1 hour, considered retained at 12 hours

Question 19

Average time for Stage 1 for Small Animals?

Answer 19

16-18 hours on average

Question 20

Average time for Stage 2 for Small Animals?

Answer 20

4-12 hours on average

Question 21

Average time for Stage 3 for Small Animals?

Answer 21

No set time, cycling between stage 2 and 3 until all fetuses are passed
Retained placentas are RARE

Question 22

In pigs, when do the females start nesting?

Answer 22

At least 24 hours before Stage 1

Question 23

Stage 1 in pigs typically lasts:

Answer 23

2-12 hours

Question 24

Piglets expelled every _____ and duration can be _____ for the whole litter

Answer 24

15 min; 2-4 hours

Question 25

For pigs, fetal membranes are expelled _______ and retained placentas are ____

Answer 25

Between each piglet; rare

Question 26

Camelids Stage 1 lasts:

Answer 26

Average 4 hours
Often very stoic, no outward signs

Question 27

Stage 2 for camelids typically lasts:

Answer 27

30-45 min average
If longer, examination warranted

Question 28

Stage 3 for camelids typically lasts:

Answer 28

Pass placenta in whole by 6 hours