Is this normal?

[JeffNY]

I have a holstein due to calve here this month, early on (sometime before the 18th, im thinking before the 10th). Well this morning I noticed a difference in her personality, she was sitting with her head out, acting a little uncomfortable. Now I did notice while she did this at times would open her mouth. I've seen this while calving, but not before.

As far as how close she is? She still has time, the ligaments near her anus haven't slackened yet. The ligaments on either side of her tailhead have, more or less almost there. She was getting up, and laying down while doing this odd mouth thing. After a while, she stopped, went into the calving pen, and was perky, not acting in "pain". Curious if these are pains prior to calving. She didn't do this last year, of course I dont think I watched her as heavy as I do now. She either didn't do it last year, and now knows whats up so it bothers her more, or other. Curious to what you all think.


Jeff

[arcticow]

Could be like Braxton-Hicks contractions in human females. Sort of false labor.

[Jennifer L.]

Probably is fine and normal. I've seen cows do this before, but I don't think it's ever been a problem to the cow. At least, that's my take on it.

Jennifer