Signs Of Labor With Your Pregnant Doe

Learn the signs of labor with your pregnant doe so you can assist in delivery.  Keep in mind that each doe is unique and may vary to some degree. It is important to keep good, detailed notes of each of your does to help you prepare for the next years kidding.

Stages Of Labor

Stage 1 – Pre-labor

This stage may begin 24 hours prior to delivery. Keep in mind that each doe is unique and may vary to some degree. Some identifiers that your doe is in the first stage of labor may be the following:

• Nesting. Your doe may begin to paw at the ground to clear a space for labor.
• Restlessness. When a doe is beginning to go into labor things start to get uncomfortable and you will see your doe struggle to get comfortable.
• Discharge. A white discharge from the vulva will appear; this is referred to as the mucus plug. The  vulva will also appear loose or flabby.
• Loose ligaments. As the doe’s body prepares for labor you will notice the ligaments around the tail become soft. You will be able to pinch around the tail head, where before those ligaments were tight and you were unable to pinch all the way around.
• Hollow out: As the kid drops into the birth canal you will notice that instead of being all belly, they will have very pronounced hips.

Stage 2 – Soft Labor

This stage is usually ushered in with labor pains and periodic pushing. The doe will become increasingly uncomfortable. She may be laying down a lot and will begin to stretch out a hind leg. At this time you are about 6 hours or less until she delivers.

Stage 3 – Hard Labor

This is when delivery is imminent. The doe will being to have contractions, she will be pushing more and may become very vocal. Her cervix should be dilated. At this point, if the baby is positioned properly, the doe should deliver the baby within an hour or so.

Learn More With Our Birthing Course

In our Birthing Course, you will learn how to handle the different types of births that could happen for example:

• Normal Birth
• Head and One Foot
• Breech
• Head First, No Feet
• Feet First, Head Back
• Two at a Time and Sideways
• Still Born
• How To Assist in Delivery
• Post Birth: Kid Care
• Post Birth: Doe Care
• Full Delivery Process: Pre-Labor to Birth

We also include information about taking care of your pregnant doe in the days leading up to delivery.  Pictures of different births and videos are provided in giving you the utmost education in the knowledge needed to deliver your baby goats.  Learn more by reading 3 Ways to Know if Your Goat Is Pregnant.

A couple more good articles:

My Goat Is Pregnant, What To Do Next

New To Goats? Birthing and MilkingDon’t forget with our G.O.A.T. Club Membership, you get our courses at 50% off!  Be sure to check out all the goodies you get by being a member.