3.20.2009

Shedding Some Light on the Subject

I found this chart on line to shine light on what *might* be going on inside of me....

Zero to One
  • Breeding takes place.
  • Within a few days, the sperm reaches the eggs and fertilization occurs.
Two
  • The fertilized eggs make their way to the uterus for implantation.
  • You may notice behavioral changes in your dog. She may become moody or more affectionate.
Three
  • Implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop.
  • Your dog may begin to display mood swings, appetite changes and breast tissue development.
Four
  • Fetuses can be felt in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound.
  • The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features.
  • Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be felt again.
  • Your dog's appetite will likely increase, so offer her more of her food.
Five
  • The fetuses develop their sex organs and begin to look like actual puppies. The leg buds lengthen and develop toes.
  • Your dog's belly will begin to look noticeably swollen as the pups take up more space.
  • With less room for full meals, it's time to begin serving smaller meals more frequently.
Six
  • Pups continue to grow and pigmentation develops. The eyes now have lids and remain sealed until approximately ten days after birth.
  • Your dog is noticeably more uncomfortable at this point. She may vomit occasionally due to the extra pressure against her stomach.
  • You may also notice clear fluid discharge from her vulva. This is normal.
Seven
  • Puppies are well-developed, and now begin attaining size in preparation for birth.
  • You may be able to see/feel the puppies' movements in your bitch's abdomen.
  • Her breasts are well developed and probably contain a bit of colostrum or "first milk".
  • Your dog is noticeably tired and may begin search for a place to whelp. Time to set up a whelping box.
Eight
  • The pups have fur and are now crowded in the uterus. You may notice a lot of activity as they get into position for the coming birth.
  • Your bitch may begin digging the bedding in the whelping box. This is natural "nesting" behavior.
  • Allow your bitch to feed freely as she is able.
Eight to Nine
  • The pups are ready for birth, and may be quite still as they rest in preparation for the marathon to come.
  • Your dog may appear uncomfortable and restless or anxious.
  • Time to begin taking rectal temperature readings 12 hours apart. Normal temperature is 100 to 101 F; a drop down near 97 F held for two consecutive readings indicates labor will begin within 24 hours.


So wow.... that is a lot of things to happen all in the span of about 63 days..... Wow. wow and wow.

This directly relates back to a book a read a long time ago:

Are you there God? It's me, Brisztow.

Let me see.... we are at day 16 so that means implantation is taking place, and I may be developing. How appropriate--it being the first day of spring!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hoping it all goes as planned

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