Broodmare care by month

Every pregnancy is special and many mare owners will have a range of questions at the different stages of the process.  Here is a quick guide to key aspects of management month by month

Month one   

• Date of covering / insemination should be recorded
• 15 day pregnancy scan and first check for twins
• Once initial pregnancy diagnosis is made avoid medications, lotions and supplements unless agreed with your vet. In particular only certain wormers can be used

Month two

• 42 day check for foetal heartbeat

Month three & four

• Estrogen levels start to increase significantly by about 70 days of pregnancy which can result in some mares displaying oestrus and looking as if they are in season.

Month five

• 1st EHV vaccination to prevent abortion

Month six

• Pregnant mares should not be ridden after 200-230 days of gestation

Month seven

• 2nd EHV vaccination to prevent abortion
• Inappropriate lactation or dripping milk  any time before about 300 days of pregnancy is usually an indication of impending abortion. This  may be due to a variety of causes, some of which you can do nothing about at this stage (eg twinning ), but other conditions may respond to suitable treatment (eg placentitis)

Month nine

• 3rd EHV vaccination to prevent abortion

Month ten       

• Tetanus antibodies injected into mare to build foal immunity
• remove shoes if worn
• move to stud if not foaling at home

Month 11

• Note that there is no “due date” in the pregnant mare – the average pregnancy duration is around 340 days, but the “normal” range is anywhere between 320 and 370 days
• Observe daily for changes to udder  and muscle tone
• Prepare for foaling day – or night!