How long will my pigs labor last?

Question
My pot bellied pig is having her 1st litter and has been laying around and very still for the past 2 days, this evening when we went to check on her she snipped at me when I tried to rub her and acted like she wanted me out of the pin. Can you tell me how long the 1 stage of labor usually lasts or when I could expect her to start having her babies? Also she hasn't really pooped until this evening, is this a problem or just a sign theat she is going to deliver soon?

Answer
Pot-bellied pig gestation is three months, three weeks and three days.

For most sows, the first sign of labor is nest building. Momma pig will begin building a nest for her babies. But pigs are a little different from other animals, in that they often pick some very strange things to add to their nests! It seems that the activity, rather than the nest itself, is what is important. This usually starts 1 - 2 days before birth.

As labor begins, piggy will strain to go potty. She will probably empty herself completely.

The second stage, or true labor, begins when the piglets enter the birth canal. The contractions may or may not be visible to an observer. A piglet is born every 5 to 60 minutes.

The third and final stage is expulsion of the placenta.

Piglets are born with eyes open and ready to nurse. Allow the piglets to choose their own teats. They will use that teat and that teat only until they are weaned.

If gestation stretches days longer than it should, or piggy seems in deep distress, a piglet may be stuck in the birth canal and piggy will need veterinary help.

A vet check of mom and babies as soon after birth as possible is best. A vet can determine if Momma pig has successfully completed labor, and decide if the piggies need an extra boost of vitamins or colostrum.

There's a list of vets that see pot-bellied pigs at www.farec.com  If there are no vets near you, contact farac (their email and phone number is on the website), they can connect your vet with a vet who specializes in piggies, or help you find a vet.