How does a cat behave before giving birth? Cat discharge, plug, blood, stomach, temperature, diarrhea. How much does a cat eat and what does a cat look like before giving birth? A cat is bleeding from a noose.

Pregnant women are looking forward to their babies, so they study the harbingers of labor in advance. These include: prolapse of the abdomen, contractions, passage of the plug and water, frequent urge to go to the toilet. Pregnant women are most concerned about the release of mucus, so we will consider 3 points: 1) what a plug is; 2) how it comes out; 3) if the plug comes out, how long does it take for labor to begin.

What is a cork?

Many pregnant women say that they did not have a plug, but this is not entirely true. A plug is a lump of mucus that thickens under the action of the cervix and closes the entrance to the uterus. Since this thick mucus performs a protective occluding function, it is nicknamed cork. Thanks to this clot, no infection can reach the child.

Typically, mucus is clear, beige, yellowish, or reddish in color. The plug may come out as a whole lump or come out in stages as a viscous liquid. If the color of the mucus is similar to the menstrual flow of the last few days, then do not panic, since the reddish tint is formed due to the bursting of small capillaries. If severe bleeding occurs, it is better to consult an obstetrician.

How does it depart

cork?

Every pregnant woman has a protective clot, but the plug comes out differently for everyone. How long after labor begins after her birth is also individual. For some pregnant women, the plug comes out with a lingering, unpleasant, painful sensation, while for others it can come out painlessly while taking a shower, in the toilet, at the gynecologist’s office, or before the birth itself.

As soon as childbirth approaches, a new hormone appears in the female body, which softens the birth canal. In connection with this process, the plug flies out, and the cervix begins to open and prepare for the birth of the child. This process can take several weeks, days or hours, depending on the woman’s physical fitness, the number of births she has had and the baby’s readiness for birth.

And one moment. Most pregnant women on forums ask the question: “The plug has come out, how can I speed up labor?”, believing that the baby will appear immediately after the mucus is released. Be prudent, if the plug has come off and the cervix has not opened, then stimulation of labor will cause the water to break, as a result of which the baby will suffer, and the mother’s life may be in danger.

If the plug has already come out, how long does it take for labor to begin?

A clot of mucus may come out a month, 2 weeks, several days or hours before delivery. This is an individual process. Some pregnant women can go a month without a plug, while others, after the mucus has drained, give birth to a baby 6 hours later. Therefore, as soon as you feel that some discharge has come out of the vagina, go to your gynecologist.

But don't panic if the plug comes off right away. Look at other factors:

what color is the discharge?
whether the stomach has dropped;
are there any contractions?
whether the urge to go to the toilet has become more frequent.

If a pregnant woman has a drooping stomach, systematic pain in the lower abdomen, often has a strong pull to go to the toilet, the plug comes off, how long will it take to give birth in this case?
The first labor may begin within a day, and repeated labor may begin within a few hours. In any case, you need to immediately call an ambulance. If the situation is not critical, then you can go for a consultation with a gynecologist as usual. Please note that removing the plug requires special hygiene, as the child is susceptible to germs. This is especially true for the intimate life of spouses and swimming in open reservoirs and pools. In any case, first consult with your doctor about how to protect your baby from viruses when the plug comes out. How long does it take for labor to begin after mucus is released - this will be a secondary question.

Waiting for children is always accompanied by a certain trepidation; the birth of kittens is the same special process as the birth of a child. The owners of the expectant mother are worried and afraid to miss the first signs of the onset of labor in the cat. If the mating was planned, then the situation is simpler - the expected range is reduced to 24–72 hours, guess the “date X” of a cat who became pregnant on her own. In any case, when caring for a mother-murka, you need to know about the harbingers of childbirth and the events that will have to be experienced.

Normal pregnancy process, stages and timing

In a healthy animal, the process of pregnancy and childbirth occurs without the need for intervention or assistance. In purebred, small, problem cats, childbirth may occur with complications. In more developed countries, there is a special profession - zooobstetrician, a specialist responsible for the favorable course of childbirth, preserving the life and health of the mother and offspring. In “our realities,” all responsibility falls on the shoulders of the owners and general veterinarians.

On average, a normal cat pregnancy lasts 60–65 days, but the period can vary by 7–10 days depending on the breed and body composition of the expectant mother. Conventionally, pregnancy is divided into 3 stages:

Mating – 3 weeks: after mating, the cat experiences swelling of the mucous membranes of the genital tract, but this does not guarantee pregnancy. Clear signs are observed from the third week: Drowsiness, decreased appetite and activity.
Requires affection and attention.
Vomiting (no more than 3 times a day, no longer than 2-3 days).
Distinct pigmentation of the mammary glands - from light to bright pink.
An enlarged uterus, which can be detected by a veterinarian by palpation.

4-6 weeks: Rapid growth of the “babies” and “rounding” of the cat. By week 6, the amount of fluid in the uterus increases, and the kittens begin to make their first movements.
Kittens can be “felt” when gently palpated.
The cat eats and sleeps more, otherwise behaves as usual.

7–9 weeks: Kittens are actively moving. The movements are clearly visible to the naked eye, especially if the cat is sleeping.
Swelling of the mammary glands, release of colostrum.
Some cats have a whitish vaginal discharge, which is normal.
Increased anxiety and making a “den”.

Important! “Nesting” is not observed in all animals. A cat with increased social activity will benefit from the foresight of the owners in arranging the place and assisting in childbirth. “Tethered cats” need to be monitored especially carefully; hormones and a “naughty” character can lead the animal to a “breakdown” and rash actions, which can lead to premature birth or abandonment of kittens.

What not to do at the end of pregnancy

A cat requires special treatment during pregnancy, and especially in the period just before giving birth.

What not to do:

make your pet nervous. Loud noises, shouting, noisy parties and numerous guests are all serious stress for the cat’s body;
attempt to palpate the abdomen in order to determine the presence or quantity of offspring. A person without experience can cause injury to both the cat and the kittens in the womb.
independently administer any medications without consulting a veterinarian. All preventive measures must be carried out before a potential pregnancy - flea and tick treatment, vaccination, treatment of chronic diseases, medical examination. If Murka, while pregnant, fell ill, then any appointment should be made only by a specialist;
ignore any unusual abnormalities in behavior or health: bleeding, vomiting or diarrhea, sudden loss of appetite;
Allowing a cat to climb and sleep at a height, jumping from a height - the risk of not only bone injuries, but also harm to the offspring;
allow pregnant Murka to come into contact with strangers or stray animals;
ignore the rules of hygiene for keeping an animal: you cannot pick up a cat with dirty hands, allow it to sleep in the owners’ outdoor shoes, regularly brush out and change the bedding in a pregnant woman’s sleeping place;
use aggressive solutions of household chemicals for cleaning the house, which can poison the cat or harm future offspring;
transfer the woman in labor to another place if the process does not begin where it should be. It is better to bring bedding, and then after giving birth, move it to a secluded place with the kittens.

Preparing for childbirth, behavioral changes

If the pregnancy is normal and there are no health problems, by the 50th day of pregnancy the following set should be prepared in the house:

Sturdy box with low side. The cat should freely enter and exit the “nest” without clinging to the side with its belly.

Several pairs of sterile, latex surgical gloves.

Medical pipettes or suction, for forced cleaning of the respiratory tract if the kitten does not cough on its own.

Sterile or boiled thread.

Surgical or antiseptic-treated cosmetic scissors.

Liquid and powder antiseptics purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. Human medications can be toxic to mother and kittens.

Zelenka and cotton swabs for lubricating the umbilical cord.

Clean cotton diapers, flannel. Several small terry towels for rubbing kittens.

Levomikol ointment or an analogue - in case of stoppage of fetal movement in the birth canal.

Clean water bowl.

Powdered infant formula from 0 months is a cat milk substitute.

Pre-agreed conditions for the veterinarian’s visit and a telephone number for remote consultation.

Oxytocin or an analogue – stimulation of contractions and labor.

Sulfocamphocaine – stimulation of cardiac activity.

Potassium gluconate – support in case of prolonged labor. A solution of up to 10% can be administered subcutaneously; above that, only intravenously!

Take note! For fluffy and “hyper-clean” cats, be sure to prepare: dry and wet wipes, moisture-absorbing diapers. If you don’t provide the “fastidious” with cleanliness, she will wash herself, crawl from place to place, and childbirth will become an afterthought.

You may not need anything other than a box and diapers, but you need to be prepared for everything. From a behavioral point of view, changes may not be noticeable, especially for cats of the “noble” breed. From a physiological point of view, the following signs of impending birth in a cat are observed:

24–72 hours before labor begins, body temperature drops to 37 °C.

Within 24–48 hours, the cat actively licks the genitals, the mucous membranes turn red or pink.

Not always - the mammary glands become very engorged, and the skin around the nipples becomes hotter.

The cat may become “disengaged” and inactive.

4–8 hours before contractions, the cat “hunches over” - this is due to “training” contractions of the uterus. During this period, the pet becomes very worried and may “call for help” or hide.

A sharp decrease in appetite. Water or milk is consumed in normal quantities.

Important! A pregnant cat chooses where to build her nest. If the animal does not treat the box well and stubbornly settles down in the closet on your favorite shirts - give in, free up the place you like and arrange it comfortably, the cat will still do it in its own way. Some cats, especially first-time cats, give birth “wherever necessary” - be prepared.

Harbingers of childbirth

Harbingers are considered to be changes in the animal’s vital activity within 24 hours before birth. The cat's uterus is arranged in the shape of the letter “Y” - the “horns” are the place of the kittens, the “tail” is the cervix. The main changes occur precisely in it, accompanied by discomfort or pain. Miscarriage and spontaneous childbirth are accompanied by the same symptoms, with one difference. Signs of premature birth in a cat most often occur 1-2 times faster.

As soon as you notice your cat's anxiety, pay attention to the following aspects:

Most often, before the onset of contractions, a mucus plug comes out of the cervix - a small clot of a transparent, yellowish, greenish color, small brown inclusions are considered normal. You need to understand that the cork’s rejection may not be noticed. It can come out during urination or be torn off in parts - the cat licks itself, the discharge is unnoticeable.

During pregnancy, kittens lie according to the “compact” principle, and for proper birth they need to turn around with their heads down. Large “babies” may not have time to do this, but during the process there is active movement of the fetuses - the kittens turn and push, causing a lot of inconvenience to the mother.

The first contractions are barely noticeable, but can be felt if you put your palm on the cat’s stomach - the opening of the cervix begins, the process can take up to 8 hours.

Preparedness #1! Signs of an imminent birth in a cat are strong contractions, noticeable without palpation, the cat lies on its side or squats and arches its back - in the period from 5 to 60 minutes the first “baby” will appear.

How to understand that something is going wrong before giving birth

A day or two before the start of the long-awaited process, changes may occur in the body that are unusual for a healthy pregnant cat and the normal course of pregnancy. When is it time to call a veterinarian for help:

Do you always follow doctors' orders?

Yes, they know us better.

42.82%

Not always, because more information can be obtained from other women in labor.

21.29%

I comply, but I check reviews and advice from various mothers.

35.89%

Voted: 418

intense bleeding is detected;
“movements” in the stomach cease to be felt at the end of pregnancy;
after the mucus plug came off, labor did not begin in the next three days;
there are contractions, but the birth canal does not open;
the stomach does not relax after contractions, being constantly in good shape;
the cat constantly sleeps, does not respond to the owner’s call, is lethargic, indifferent to what is happening around.

A pregnant animal needs special care. In order for a cat to bear and give birth to healthy kittens, it is necessary to monitor her health and pay attention to her behavior.

The first column contains the date of conception (accurate or estimated), next to it will be the estimated date of birth. Give or take a few days and the entire period will be outlined when the owner should begin to pay attention to the pet’s behavior and special symptoms - precursors. For example, if conception occurred on April 12, then around June 16 you need to expect kittens (plus or minus a few days). If a cat was mated with a male on September 8, then kittens may appear within November 12.

The birth process - stages, possible problems

Once the cervix is completely open, the process of “expulsion” of the kittens begins. Remember without prejudice or arrogance - the cat is in pain, it has lost a lot of strength in contractions, the animal is very worried. It is important to follow the following rules:

Calm and support the animal no matter what happens.

Keep yourself in control, even if this is your first birth and you don’t really understand what’s going on. The cat senses your panic and confusion well.

Do not fuss, do not allow strangers, children, or other animals into the room.

Provide fresh air into the room, but not a draft.

Offer your cat warm water or milk; 90% of cats become thirsty during labor.

If you're worried that you won't be able to cope, enlist the support of another person. But (!) there must be one person directly next to the cat. The “Assistant” will help in case of complications.

Don’t be alarmed when the cat eats the kitten’s “place” - this is a physiologically correct process of recuperation.

Expulsion is a less painful process than contractions. Outwardly, the cat can be much calmer, watch and do not interfere unless absolutely necessary. If you understand that a problem is brewing, act:

Four strong attempts, and the kitten’s head has not appeared - lubricate the rounded end of the pipette with levomikol and carefully insert it into the vagina. We expand, see if the fetus is visible, stroke the cat’s belly in the direction of expulsion, slightly pushing the kittens.

The kitten was born in a bubble, but the cat does not pay attention to it - carefully open the bubble, remove mucus from the mouth and nose. All procedures are carried out in front of the cat so that she can reach the kitten and start licking it.

The kitten has not begun to breathe - actively rub it with a towel in the area of the back and chest.

Rubbing for 3-4 minutes did not produce results - we take the kitten by the hind legs and gently shake it upside down, tapping the chest. We help in every possible way to clear the airways. If intensive resuscitation does not produce results within 25-30 minutes, unfortunately the kitten is dead.

Important! No matter how sorry you may be for the “baby,” if you deliver the baby yourself, perform resuscitation, and the next baby has already appeared, you must wrap the unawakened baby in a towel and put it under a lamp. We return to resuscitation after we are convinced that the newborn is breathing normally.

Critical course of labor

We must call the veterinarian if:

Childbirth is delayed by more than 10 days.

The kitten remains in the birth canal for more than 30 minutes.

More than 5 strong attempts without the kitten exiting the birth canal.

10 minutes of strong contractions with squeezing the amniotic sac into the birth canal.

Increased temperature or fever.

Copious discharge of scarlet or dark brown color, “putrid” smell of discharge.

The plug is already coming out, how long does it take for labor to begin?

What is a cork?

How does the plug come out?

If the plug has already come out, how long does it take for labor to begin?

But don't panic if the plug comes off right away. Look at other factors:

what color is the discharge?
whether the stomach has dropped;
are there any contractions?
whether the urge to go to the toilet has become more frequent.

Please note that removing the plug requires special hygiene, as the child is susceptible to germs. This is especially true for the intimate life of spouses and swimming in open reservoirs and pools. In any case, first consult with your doctor about how to protect your baby from viruses when the plug comes out. How long does it take for labor to begin after mucus is released - this will be a secondary question.

What is a mucus plug?

Every woman during pregnancy waits with impatience and trepidation for the onset of childbirth.
Someone is rushing this moment, and someone wants to delay it for a little while longer, but it is impossible to predict the development of labor with 100% accuracy - in any case, it will begin suddenly. Many expectant mothers have heard that the plug comes off before childbirth, but only a few of them have a correct idea of how this happens. So, how many days before birth does the plug come out? How does she look? Does this plug come off before childbirth for everyone? And when should you go to the maternity hospital if everything happens? All these questions create panic in a woman’s head, and the expectant mother does not need unnecessary worries and worries on the eve of the birth of the baby. Therefore, in order not to worry, you need to stock up on the necessary knowledge in a timely manner in order to know how to behave and what to do if labor begins.

With the onset of pregnancy, a specific transparent clot forms in the cervical canal - this is the mucus plug. Its formation is associated with hormonal changes in the body. Visually, the plug resembles a dense lump of light mucus. The dense structure of the cork performs a protective function, reliably protecting the fetus from the possible negative influence of the external environment.

It turns out that when the plug comes out before childbirth, a path opens for the penetration of infectious pathogens, etc. into the uterine cavity. That is why doctors strongly recommend that after the plug comes out before childbirth, avoid swimming in the bathroom, in the pool, in open bodies of water, maintain careful intimate hygiene, and in general be more careful.

Nature carefully calculated and provided all the conditions necessary for the birth of a new person. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a restructuring of the endocrine and respiratory organs, joint mobility increases, and the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system organs changes. One of the features of pregnancy is the release of the mucous plug from the cervical canal of the uterus before childbirth.

The cervix of a mature woman produces a special liquid with a slightly alkaline pH - cervical mucus. This mucus consists of proteins-glycoproteins, amino acids, enzymes, sugars and water. It is needed to protect sperm from the harmful effects of the acidic environment of the vagina as they pass through the female genital tract.

When the nuclei of the smallest and largest cells in the human body - a male sperm and a female egg - join in the fallopian tube, an embryo, or fertilized egg, is formed. As soon as the embryo enters the uterine cavity and attaches to the mucous membrane of its wall, the female body turns on the “save the pregnancy!” mode. The formation of a protective plug in the cervix is part of this special regime.

Cervical mucus, which is produced by cylindrical epithelium, under the influence of the hormone progesterone becomes thicker and more viscous, and by the end of the first month of pregnancy it completely blocks the cervical canal. Its purpose is to prevent infection from entering the uterus, for example, during sex or bathing.

As the due date approaches, the dense and elastic mucus plug that blocks the cervical canal liquefies. This occurs under the influence of the hormone estrogen, which is secreted in increased quantities by the body of a pregnant woman during the prenatal period.

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A cat's uterus has two horns that meet in the central cavity of the uterus. The cervix is at the end of the central cavity and remains closed during pregnancy. The embryos of the kittens are inside the horns and are connected to the mother through the umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is attached to the placenta, which connects the cat and kitten. The placenta acts as a conduit for nutrients from mother to fetus and collects fetal waste.

The birth of kittens begins from the uterus. At this stage, the cervix begins to open. An odorless discharge appears from the vagina. They are called a mucus plug and are located in the cervix during pregnancy, protecting the uterus from the vagina. The cat's breathing quickens and she may purr. This stage lasts up to 6 hours.

Contractions become stronger and more frequent and the cervix opens completely. The cat is ready to give birth. The kitten moves down the birth canal. Pressure on the cervix causes the cat to push. She can be seen trying hard to push the kitten out. An amniotic sac appears with a kitten inside.

The cat chews the bubble, releases the kitten and begins to lick it, stimulating the breathing process. In about one out of three cases, kittens are born with their hind legs first, this is normal. The second stage takes from 5 minutes to 1 hour. If the kitten is still not born after an hour, contact your veterinarian.

Immediately after the birth of a kitten, the placenta comes out, as soon as the cat has licked the kitten and it begins to breathe, the cat gnaws the umbilical cord. Very often she eats the placenta, which contains a large amount of nutrients and helps the cat produce milk.

Once the kitten is born, monitor the delivery of the placenta. Have paper and pen ready and note the number of placentas delivered. From excitement you may not remember, and this is very important, because...

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In gynecology, a plug is a mucous, gel-like clot that fills the cervix of a pregnant woman for all 9 months. It is formed in the first days of conception and comes out just before the birth of the baby. Its main function is protective, since this gelatinous lump prevents germs and infections from entering the womb.

It is believed that a traffic jam before childbirth is one of the sure harbingers of the imminent birth of a baby. In fact, all the indicators in this matter are very individual: for some it goes away on the birthing table, and for some it leaves the body several weeks before such an important event. In order not to worry or panic, the expectant mother should imagine what it is and how to behave during the discharge of mucus.

What it is

In order not to miss the moment of mucus discharge, you need to at least vaguely imagine what it is, what the plug looks like, what color it comes in. This will allow you not to confuse it with other secretions and take the necessary measures to collect it in the maternity hospital in a timely manner. It looks different for everyone, but there are still certain common characteristics.

Most often, the birth plug is a dense, gelatinous clot, jelly-like lump. This is the mucus that the cervix begins to produce to protect the fetus from infections entering the womb. Outwardly, it is very similar to the concentrated, compacted protein of an ordinary chicken egg. However, for some, two weeks before giving birth, it may become more liquid and come out in parts. In this case, the plug will look like scanty spotting, like during menstruation.

In order not to confuse the release of the plug before childbirth with other secretions, you need to know how much mucus should come out. On average, its weight is about 50 ml, and its size varies from 1.5 to 2 cm.

Harbingers of childbirth

How does the plug come out before childbirth? What does a mucus plug look like? If it is soaked in water, then it is water. Everything else is not water. Cork is not necessarily very viscous. And how long should I wait to give birth if it’s a traffic jam? Thirdly, if the plug during pregnancy comes out earlier than 2 weeks before the planned birth.

But towards the end of pregnancy, before childbirth, it worries women much more. This process does not pass by the cervix. Already at this time it is slightly softened, and its walls begin to produce a special mucous substance. It turns out that even if a pregnant woman has already lost her breath, this does not mean that it is time for her to go to the maternity hospital, but childbirth is just around the corner.

However, if the plug goes away and there are no contractions, it’s too early to worry. Perhaps in your case the discharge is not caused by natural reasons, but, for example, by a vaginal examination by a gynecologist. Secondly, even if this is not the case, it will be released along with the amniotic fluid just before birth.

How long will it take for labor to begin after the plug comes out?

When the plug comes out, how long will it take for a woman to go into labor? Everything is individual: for some this happens 2 weeks before giving birth, for others a week or several days before the significant event. There are cases when a pregnant woman's plug came off during the period of pushing.

What is this connected with? With changes in hormonal levels in anticipation of childbirth. Throughout pregnancy, the hormone progesterone is actively released, and, signaling imminent delivery, the hormone estrogen begins to be released. It softens the tissue of the cervix, facilitating the release of the mucus plug.

The stomach drops

Training contractions

. The stomach turns to stone, hardens, and then relaxes. This happens painlessly and irregularly.

The cervix softens and changes position

(diagnosed during a gynecological examination).

Weight reduction by 1-1.5 kg

. This is due to the reduction of edema and the removal of excess fluid from the body.

Increased number of toilet visits

, loose stools without other signs of intestinal infection or poisoning.

All this indicates an approaching event that will change a woman’s life forever.

If the plug comes out, how long will it take for a woman to start her second labor? As a rule, the first birth lasts at least 8 hours, but the second can be more fleeting. Therefore, only a few hours may pass between the removal of the plug and the onset of labor. This transience is explained by the fact that after the first birth in women, the cervix no longer closes so tightly, and dilatation usually occurs faster. Although, there are exceptions. For example, weakness of labor is often observed in women with uterine fibroids.

Multiparous women will be able to easily recognize real contractions. How can young, inexperienced pregnant women distinguish true contractions from false ones? If contractions repeat after different amounts of time, these are training spasms of the uterus. In addition, they do not become more painful or intensify. Real contractions are regular and gradually intensify. Once every 10 minutes, then every 5 minutes, then 3 minutes - at this point it’s time to call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital to pick up the baby.

The cork plays a protective role: it tightly closes access to the fruit so that no microorganisms penetrate and cause harm. If the mucus plug has already come away from the cervical canal, it is important to follow the rules of hygiene: do not take a bath, swim in the pool, swim in the sea, or have sex without a condom. The doctor must also be informed about this event.

How long does it take for labor to begin after the plug comes out?

My plug did not come off immediately, but gradually over the course of 2 days. Contractions also began 2 days after the plug came out completely. One of my friends had a plug that came out a week before giving birth. By the way, many people don’t notice that it’s coming out.

About a week before giving birth, my plug (discharge mixed with blood) began to come off little by little. And on the day of birth, in the morning, there was noticeably more discharge, but the stomach did not hurt. Just in case, we went to the hospital, where it turned out that labor was already underway and the cervix was dilated by 5 fingers (they seem to give birth at 10-12 fingers of dilation). So, the baby was born at 20:45, hurray)

Everyone is different. For some, the plug comes out a few days before giving birth, for others - directly during childbirth. But in any case, if the plug comes out, it means labor is about to begin, in a few hours, or at most in a few days.

The removal of the plug and the onset of labor is a rather individual process and no uniform time frame has been established for all women. All women have different physiology.

Even the doctor answered the same question of mine that the plug can come off a week before the onset of labor, or a day or even a few hours before.

And for some, the plug comes off only during childbirth.

Childbirth in a cat: signs of onset and process of labor

Your cat is pregnant, about to give birth, and you don’t know what to do? Most cats are quite capable of giving birth unassisted, so your role is to observe and not interfere with the birth process unless there are any problems. However, you need to know what to prepare and do if complications arise.

Special box for kittens. You can make it yourself from an ordinary strong cardboard box or purchase it at a pet store.

That is why it is necessary to have the veterinarian’s phone number at hand, so that if any problems arise, you can immediately call a specialist and prevent a tragic outcome.

The mother may reject the kittens, meaning they will have to be hand-reared for the first few weeks, so have a cat milk replacer at the ready. This is a responsible and difficult job, since feeding must be done around the clock.

During the last weeks of pregnancy, place the cat in a warm, quiet environment free of drafts, children and other pets. Reward her for staying and sleeping in the prepared box. Place food, water and a litter tray in the same area.

Changes in behavior occur. During the last week before giving birth, the cat may either become reclusive and look for a secluded place where she can hide from everyone, or she may become more affectionate, especially if she has a very close bond with one of their owners.

A cat's uterus has two horns that meet in the central cavity of the uterus (like a Y). The cervix is at the end of the cavity and is closed during pregnancy. Developing kittens are located in the uterine horns and are attached to the mother with the help of an umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is attached to the placenta, which connects mother and kittens. The role of the placenta is to transport nutrition from mother to kittens and waste in the opposite direction.

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The plug has come out - when is the due date?

Women who are nearing the end of their pregnancy (especially first-time mothers) often panic, worrying that labor could begin at any minute.

The passage of a mucus plug is one of those moments that causes anxiety in many pregnant women. Noticing that their plug has come off, they immediately begin to worry about when labor will finally begin. Some even hastily pack their things and call an ambulance to go to the maternity hospital. This behavior cannot be called correct.

Let's try to sort everything out, as they say, “on the shelves,” in order to understand how to behave if the mucus plug has come off and when to expect labor to begin.

From the moment pregnancy occurs, the cervical mucus produced by the cells of the cervix during each ovulation thickens and forms a dense clot, which is necessary to close the cervix for the period until the child leaves the mother’s womb in order to protect the fetus from all kinds of infections.

Shortly before the birth process begins, the passage for the baby should open, that is, the mucus plug should leave the cervix. The detached plug looks like a lump of mucus of a transparent or whitish-yellowish (beige, pinkish) color, sometimes with blood streaks of blood.

If the plug comes out before giving birth, the woman may feel like something has come out of the vagina. It is not always possible to notice how the plug came out. After all, this can happen during the morning toilet or shower. In this case, the woman can remain “blissfully” unaware and not bother herself with the constant question of when to give birth?

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of when a woman will begin to give birth if the plug has come off. For some, labor begins just a few hours after the plug comes out, while others wait a few more days or weeks. But anyway

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General condition of the body

The main thing is that the cat’s temperature decreases by 1-1.5 degrees and is 37-37.5°C. This is an important indicator that indicates that the animal will begin to give birth in the next day or two. It is recommended to measure your pet’s body temperature daily, starting from 60-61 days of pregnancy.
Decreased activity and appetite, but normal thirst. A cat eats extremely little or not at all before giving birth. Metabolism slows down, the body begins to accumulate and save energy for childbirth.
Before the birth of kittens, the cat has a reflexive feeling of fear, so the animal may periodically shake, breathing and heartbeat quicken. This is especially pronounced 6-8 hours before the start of the process.
Diarrhea. In a cat, diarrhea before childbirth occurs as a natural cleansing of the body literally within a day before the start of the most important process. But it is necessary to inform the veterinarian, because... In addition to the body’s natural reaction to childbirth, diarrhea can be a symptom of poisoning or infection - only a specialist or an experienced breeder can accurately determine. It is important that diarrhea does not affect the general condition of the body.

How long after the plugs come out do they start?

The plug has come out. when should I expect to give birth?

term 39 weeks 6 days. Yesterday at the examination the doctor said that I was not ready... and my head was high. At night I had a mucous brown discharge. I called the doctor, she said that after the examination the plug would come off. it's good for the uterus. This morning there was discharge again. but nothing hurts. the removal of the plug means anything at all, the process has begun. when do contractions and childbirth begin after the plug comes out? I don’t want to carry it to term... tomorrow I’m already 40 weeks.

It went away in the evening, I already gave birth in the morning, but by that time I had been having contractions for more than a day. everything is individual)))) have an easy birth for you

From several hours to several days. I didn’t even know what a traffic jam was. My bladder was punctured and labor was induced due to high water levels. And now I’m sitting and thinking, how could they pierce it if there was a plug there? O_o

40 weeks is a conditional average period, specifically in your case, we may not be talking about nursing yet - the time will come when the child is ready (I’m now talking about a normally progressing pregnancy without any deviations). In general, examinations at such a long time often provoke labor.

Premature rupture of amniotic fluid

Normally, rupture of the membranes should occur with complete or almost complete dilatation of the cervix (at the end of the first stage of labor).

The exact causes of early or premature rupture of water are not known. However, for those women who were preparing for childbirth. such cases are less common. This is largely due to the woman’s emotional state, her ability to relax and her general attitude towards a successful birth.

In the event of a sudden break of water, even if there are no contractions yet or they are weak and at large intervals, it is necessary to go to the maternity hospital immediately, without delay. Track

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In what cases should you consult a doctor?

If the expected date of birth is getting closer and the mucus plug has not yet appeared, this is not a reason to seek medical help. Not all women know how the mucus plug comes off before childbirth and how long it takes; for some, everything happens unnoticed. Even if it doesn’t come out, most likely, everything will happen either on the eve of the expected labor, or already with the onset of labor - this is included in the normal criteria.

The situation is more complicated when the plug supposedly or actually came out, but the woman confused it with the rupture of amniotic fluid. Fetal fluid normally has a colorless and transparent consistency, but its structure is more liquid than a mucus plug. If in doubt, to exclude possible complications, you need to inform your doctor about the incident.

You should also be wary if the plug comes out earlier than 2 weeks before the expected birth. Most likely, we are talking about premature onset of labor, possibly associated with early placental abruption, so you need to urgently contact a doctor or go to the maternity hospital yourself.

Another reason to consult a specialist is the appearance of copious mucous discharge from the genital tract with bright scarlet blood - normally, the plug comes off before childbirth in everyone without accompanying bleeding.

In addition, throughout pregnancy it is necessary to inform the doctor about any discharge, in particular about the passage of a mucus plug. Thanks to this, the specialist will be able to fully track the progress of pregnancy and most accurately determine the expected time of birth.

Does the plug have to come out just before giving birth? This can happen hours or even days before the baby is born. In this case, the woman goes to the antenatal department and carefully observes intimate hygiene. Having the necessary knowledge about how long the plug can take before giving birth and what it looks like, the woman will not leave this phenomenon unnoticed and will know how to proceed further. The main thing is to remember that childbirth is a physiological process that both the expectant mother and her baby will definitely cope with.

How long does it take for labor to begin after the plug comes out?

The harbingers of an early birth are numerous, and one of the most obvious among them is the appearance of a mucus plug that closes the entrance to the cervix throughout the entire 9 months of pregnancy. There is no universal answer to how long labor begins after the plug comes out, but there is no doubt that this indicates the proximity of labor. In order to anticipate this event, find out what the traffic jam looks like and at what point it can go away, it is worthwhile in advance.

What is a traffic jam?

This is another element invented by nature in order to protect the unborn baby as much as possible from contact with the external environment and guarantee full growth inside the mother. Under normal conditions, the mucus secreted by the uterus quietly leaves it, but during pregnancy the hormonal status changes, as a result of which the same usual mucus acquires a thicker, jelly-like consistency and seems to clog the cervix. It is thanks to the creation of a tightness effect that it is called a cork, although in practice it is by no means rigid and is similar in appearance to ordinary secretions. The plug blocks the possibility of infections entering the uterus, which is why it plays such an important role. When the hormonal status begins to change again, which happens as the body prepares for childbirth, the plug leaves the cervix. That’s why expectant mothers are so interested in how long it will take to give birth after the plug comes out.

What does the plug look like and when should it come out?

Don’t think that a plug looks like a foreign body and is visible to every pregnant woman. Since its content is not much different from other vaginal discharge, which can increase in volume towards the end of pregnancy, it is easy to miss its waste. Moreover, the plug may not come out completely, but release the cervix gradually, leaving it partially. She looks like a bundle

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Birth of kittens

Lambing moves to the next stage when the amniotic sac ruptures. The release of amniotic fluid helps to lubricate the birth canal. On average, no more than 5 minutes pass between the rupture of the amnion and the birth of the first calf.

For all cats, the process of labor occurs differently: for some, 15 minutes are enough to give birth to the first baby, while other cats suffer for an hour. But at the same time, you need to remember that the time interval between the birth of subsequent kittens should not exceed half an hour.

Lambing usually lasts for two to four hours. Then a completely natural process begins that does not require human intervention. You don't need to reach out to the kittens with a towel to clean them of bloody clots. The young mother can handle this task herself.

Moreover, she will be able to independently gnaw the umbilical cord and remove the amniotic membrane from each of her children. Although, for some reason, some cats do not do this, so the mission of cutting the umbilical cord falls on the shoulders of the person who delivers his pet.

The third and final stage of lambing involves the separation of the placenta, which comes out on its own a couple of minutes after the birth of the last kitten. Many owners of four-legged "meow" may not know that this animal usually eats placenta.

How can you understand that a cat is going to give birth if this is its first, as well as your, life experience? What signs precede this process? What should an animal owner do to ensure that his four-legged pet gives birth without complications?

How does a cat behave before giving birth? What's going on in her body? This and much more will be discussed in this article.

Just before childbirth, you can observe the release of the mucous plug. What does a traffic jam look like? A thick, jelly-like substance, white-brown-dirty in color, sometimes with blood streaks. After some time or immediately, the cat’s amniotic fluid breaks. Often everything goes away at the moment the birth process begins. But in most cases, the plug in cats goes away in an average of one day before giving birth, rarely in three. If labor does not begin after the mucous membrane has been removed, it makes sense to consult a veterinarian.

During the period of passage of the mucus plug, a hormone is released into the blood, relaxing not only the uterus and its cervical canal, but also the muscles of the pelvic area. The risk of paw injuries increases due to an increase in the load from body weight against the background of a weakening of the muscular system.

Any discharge from the genital opening during pregnancy is a sign of deviation from the norm. Also, any intense bloody discharge during any period of gestation of kittens (any bleeding from a cat’s loop), and especially just before birth, is considered abnormal.

A particularly dangerous symptom is considered if the cat begins to bleed before giving birth. This condition indicates the onset of pathological rapid labor or miscarriage. Go to the vet immediately!

Discharge from a cat before birth is allowed to have a mucous consistency, slightly yellowish-pinkish in color. Often they are not noticed at all - there are few of them, and the cat manages to lick itself. Discharge in any quantity should alert you if it is of the following shades:

intense pink – a sign of a fungal infection in the genital tract;
green – bacterial infection;
black-green, accompanied by a sharp, unpleasant odor, are a sign of rotting (immediate surgical intervention will be required);
cloudy yellow or yellow-green is a sign of purulent inflammation in the womb.

You can see what a cat looks like before giving birth in the photo:

How long does it take for a cat to give birth? My cat's water broke - how long will it take for her to give birth?

Fluffy, touching lumps. Many look forward to their birth, but you need to know that pregnancy and childbirth are a very important moment in the life of not only a pet, but also the owner. Be sure to prepare: calculate in advance how long it will take for the cat to give birth, so that this important moment is not a surprise for you.

Cat pregnancy

Most often it passes easily and almost unnoticed. In order not to forget, immediately make simple calculations. This way you will always know how long it takes for your cat to give birth. Domestic kittens do not carry kittens for long. About 9 weeks pass from the moment of conception to birth. You need to know the exact date in order to prepare for childbirth. Although in the case of free-keeping cats this is not always possible. Veterinarians usually suggest using the following formula. Two days and two full months are added to the mating date. Knowing how long it takes for a cat to give birth, you can notice any pathology in time and seek help from a doctor.

Physiological changes in the cat's body

They usually become noticeable in the third week, that is, approximately 21 days after mating. This period is important for diagnosis and correction of the period. The papillae begin to redden and swell, they become rounded and raised. The abdomen becomes denser and harder, and brown flaking appears around the nipples. The cat becomes drowsy and has an excellent appetite. If you see all these signs, then you can already confirm the date and find out exactly how long it will take for the cat to give birth.

Reason to urgently contact a veterinarian

In most cases, cat pregnancy goes smoothly, and at the appointed time you will have a small furry family.

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Childbirth in a cat: signs of onset and process of labor

Special box for kittens. You can make it yourself from an ordinary strong cardboard box or purchase it at a pet store.

That is why it is necessary to have the veterinarian’s phone number at hand, so that if any problems arise, you can immediately call a specialist and prevent a tragic outcome.

Why does a cat have dirty ears?

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Behavior

It is very important to closely monitor the pregnant woman during the expected dates of birth of the kittens. A cat's behavior before giving birth can be the most unpredictable, but quite typical. An attentive owner will always notice prenatal changes.

May be:

almost constant purring and following on the heels of the owner. Murka literally requires increased attention;
a clear call to follow her to the place where she is expected to give birth;
when the due date approaches, try to find a secluded place and hide there, if a special place has not been equipped before this moment;
for 10-12 hours, sitting without leaving in a place prepared by a person for newborns, it is impossible to call Murka from there;
the cat looks tired, detached, and often does not eat anything;
almost constantly licks his genitals;
constantly lies down, but at the same time turns over from side to side, as if he cannot find a comfortable position;
when meowing and attracting attention, it can look back at its stomach and show that something is starting (this is noticeable only to very attentive owners).