Is Loss of Appetite a Sign of Labor?

The signs of imminent labor in animals are basically the same as in humans. Animals normally go through a nesting phase, where they are looking for a place to have their young, and they experience a loss of appetite.

  1. Gestation Table

    • Know when to expect the delivery by learning how long the animal's gestation period should be.

    Early Signs of Labor

    • Monitor your animal's appetite during the last few weeks of pregnancy. If you notice a drop in appetite, it is usually an early sign of labor.

    Significance

    • The beginnings of dilation, restlessness and additional internal pressures from the final stages of pregnancy combine to decrease the appetite.

    Monitor Your Animal

    • If labor does not start within a couple of days of decreased appetite, you should consult your veterinarian.

    After Birth

    • Within a few hours after the animal has given birth, the mother's appetite should return to normal.