day 56 of dog pregnancy pets4homes. This. day 56 of dog pregnancy pets4homes

 
 Thisday 56 of dog pregnancy pets4homes Reliable Early Results - accurately detects whether a dog is pregnant as early as 25 days after breeding, letting you know if it’s time to prepare a whelping kit for puppies birth ; Simple and Straightforward - clear step-by-step instructions are included and results are easy to interpret with this dog pregnancy kit ; Serious Value - 2 tests

There are some common signs of pregnancy in dogs that you can look out for. A dog is pregnant for 62-64 days. Implantation: This is the first stage of pregnancy, and it occurs about 7-10 days after mating. Proper nutrition and regular checkups are crucial for a successful pregnancy. Terms & Conditions. However, pregnancy length can vary by a few days on either side. They may not show for at least a month, but their behavior will give it away. Flea products safe to use in pregnancy . During this time, the puppies are growing and developing rapidly inside their mother’s womb. On an unbred (virgin pupper) dog, the nipples will be tiny, soft, and the color of your dog’s skin or a close color for the pigmentation. Veterinarian. She is within 24 hours of delivery. Usually, if a dog goes into labor early, it’s because of an underlying health issue. The Rottweiler Lab is a hybrid designer dog, whose parent breeds are the purebred Labrador Retriever and pedigree Rottweiler dog. If you are unsure if your dog is pregnant, check for signs of dog pregnancy first. If you suspect that your dog may be pregnant, contact your vet, and schedule an exam. A Beginner's Guide to Adopting a Dog Adopting a dog is a wonderful thing to do but it's not a decision that should be taken lightly. Your vet may recommend administering oestrogen in an injectable form but this would need to be given very soon after your dog has mated for it to be effective. Border collies are notoriously ‘overbred’ and bitches are frequently bred too early, which undoubtedly shortens their lives. This tests for the hormone Relaxin, but the dog must be at least 30 days pregnant for the test to be accurate. The first month of your dog’s pregnancy is full of small changes, including the following: Week 1: Your dog becomes pregnant. What happens on day 58 of dog pregnancy? On the 58th day of a dog’s pregnancy, most signs indicate that labor is imminent. paid for at jolly’s. Week 1 (Days 1–7): Fertilization has happened. A pregnancy can be seen on an ultrasound as early as 25 days after fertilization, but it won’t be until 42 days in that the puppies’ skeletons will calcify. Injectable Oestrogens. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The drug has to be administered twice daily: for four days in the first half of pregnancy or until abortion occurs in the second half. Appetite Changes. Therapy Dog Dalmatians; JLS Companion Dalmatians; JLS Owners Account Login; Dalmatian Puppies. Whelping after 54-55 days is a bit early and may indicate a problem. Pets4Homes (is the UK’s largest online pet marketplace, relied upon by up to 7 million people monthly, and helps rehome over 2,500 pets each day. Most bitches are ready to be bred within about two days from this time. Rather, things can get a tad bit more complicated because. The average is 63. A dog’s gestation period (how long they are pregnant for) is approximately 63 days/9 weeks, but can vary between 56-72 days. Compared to the 40 weeks of human gestation, a dog’s pregnancy is remarkably short—“62 to 65 days,” Nielsen says, and the fetal development happens at a rapid pace over those two months. English Bulldogs are pregnant for 63 days or 9 weeks on average, although this may vary by a few days depending on several factors. Pregnancy in dogs is relatively short compared to humans, about 9 weeks total, and each day matters. According to Dr. Again, make sure she is not becoming overweight. While a human’s pregnancy lasts nine months, a dog’s only goes on for about nine weeks! However, like people, this is only an average, and your new puppies may arrive in as little as 56 days or up to 70 days. A dog pregnancy isn’t always planned, and due to their relatively short gestation periods (about 56-70 days), some pet owners might not even know their dog is pregnant until they’re about to give birth! If you notice any of these signs of pregnancy in your unspayed dog, it's time to take her to the vet:Bitches normally have a rectal temperature of about 100. However, expecting mothers may begin labor anywhere from day 56 to 66 from the date of ovulation. This can be due to nausea, hormones, low energy, or a general sense of malaise. + Faces take shape. A loss of appetite and. Dogs. Our dog will be pregnant anywhere from 58 to 68 days but the dog pregnancy calculator helps you keep track of the pregnancy and will calculate the expected dates so you when the new pets. Dogs are pregnant for approximately 62-64 days. One mating session is enough for a female dog to become pregnant. Cesky Terrier. As your pet's due date. Listen To Your Dog’s. 8. Discovering Dog Pregnancy Duration: How Long Dogs Stay Pregnant, Essential Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy and Smooth Delivery. This means that your. She has also lost some of her appitite. Grains such as corn, rice, wheat, barley, and oats provide the bulk of starch and are well tolerated and absorbed in dogs due to commercial preparations. Using our dog pregnancy calculator, we can estimate that gestation typically lasts around 63 days, but can vary between 58 to 68 days. In this stage, the dog’s discharge will vary in color. German Shepherd Age: 12 weeks 4 male / 3 female. As soon as you notice. Antje Joslin, D. Growing abdomen, visible movement from puppies. Dogs Pregnancy Stages: A Week By Week Guide! By Amaira January 20, 2023. The most important stages of a dog’s pregnancy are: In the fourth week – a vet will be able to confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound. A dog can get pregnant when they are in heat, time when their body releases hormones that call the dog. The breed is thought to be one of the oldest native dogs in Scotland. Antje Joslin, D. Abigail S. However, just as with human pregnancies, the exact length of puppy gestation can vary slightly by several days. After estrus comes the diestrus stage, which lasts for about 60 days if the dog is not pregnant. Bookmark. How Long is a Dog Pregnant. You may also notice that your dog’s vulva is swollen, and her appetite has increased. Dog Pregnancy A Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar Pets4Homes. Day 56 of Gestation (pregnancy) Day 51 of Gestation (Pregnancy) October 3, 2023. It does not tolerate freque nt changes in its diet well as it has a sensitive digestive system. 2 girls and 3 boys. Let’s take a closer look at your dog pregnancy week by week with a comparison guide including some of the most important milestones during the pregnancy period as well as any physical changes. The gestation period for dogs is typically around 63 days, but this depends on their breed and health. Dog Pregnancy Calendar Week by Week. ValueStore. 1. Dr. A sudden change in a dog’s energy levels could signify pregnancy. You can typically expect a dog to give birth approximately 63 days after the day they mated; however,. All of this is totally normal, but it is wise to involve your vet in your dog’s pregnancy, in order to. However, it is starting to take shape. feel for the puppies) How long are dogs pregnant for? – A dog pregnancy can vary between 56 – 70 days. In general, larger dogs have a longer gestation. Hi, in answer to your original question, no Pets4Homes dont use farmed pups. 13. • 10 November 2022. ’. Pre-term birth is quite rare in canines. An average pregnancy lasts for anything from 56 to 70 days depending on the breed, so this is still early days. Partial blindness or partial deafness. Dogs are only pregnant for about 63 days, so the whole pregnancy cycle of a dog is much faster than it is in humans. The hormonal changes that pregnancy causes can lead to mood swings, emotional changes and feelings that dogs are very sensitive to, as they are so tuned into the moods and tempers of their people. Dog pregnancy can be detected in a variety of different methods, some beginning as early of the 21st day of pregnancy. Week 9 (days 56 to 63) – The dog is getting ready to deliver. 58-72 days from the first time your dog allowed breeding. Apr 3, 2022 - Explore Boxer's Del Grego's board "Dog pregnancy day by day - stages of dog pregnancy", followed by 129 people on Pinterest. Gestation in dogs is 56 to 68, in rarest cases 70 days. the “average” male Welsh Sheepdog measures around 56 cm (22 in) in height, and may weigh between 18 and 25 kg (40–55 lb), with females being smaller, about 50 cm (20 in. 2. Another 5 days –. . When her body temperature drops from around 38. Pug Age: 7 months 1 female. We try to keep all. Signs that your dog may be pregnant include: Early Signs: In the first few weeks, you may not notice any signs. The most important stages of a dog’s pregnancy are: In the fourth week – a vet will be able to confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound. Remember that female dogs may go through a false pregnancy due to normal hormone cycles. Female dogs typically give birth 63 days following conception, with some variances ranging from 56 to 70 days depending on the exact period of fertilization in relation to mating. The estimated due date of your dog's pregnancy is 63 days. Her weight will start to increase gradually as her puppies develop inside of her and begin to grow. If you know the date your dog was bred, you can count out 63 days to determine the due date or use. 56 to 58 days from the first day of diestrus; 64 to 66 days from initial rise in progesterone; 58 to 72 days from first breeding; Stages Of Dog Pregnancy. The average dog gestation period is 63 days but can last between 59 and 65 days. Your dog will be able to eat and exercise as normal, but talk to your vet first before you give any flea treatments during this stage of gestation. Here's everything to know about dog pregnancy signs and care. Your veterinarian may be able to feel the puppies inside your dog's belly 20-30 days into the pregnancy. Try to ensure that your dog gets up at around the same time each day and is put down to sleep at around the same time, and that he has activities such as. Central Asian Ovtcharka. 215-515-5542. Keep your veterinarian's contact numbers handy, and have your car ready in case of complications. You may also begin to observe some of the more tell-tale signs of pregnancy in your dog, such as changes in vaginal discharge or swelling in her breasts. You can see the one pup engaging in the birth canal. As the day draws closer, you should be monitoring your bitch's temperature several times a day. Dog fetus begins to take shape. 3- 37. It is in the first 20 days of pregnancy when the first ultrasound can be performed, which shows the head and the body of the embryos from the dog’s womb. The Most Common Signs Of Pregnancy In Dogs Are: Increased appetite – They will naturally crave more food to get the nutrition they need for the developing fetuses; after all, they might be eating for 8 to 10 pups! Weight gain – Just like in humans, your dog’s stomach will expand to make space for their fetuses. ) This makes a dog’s gestation period around nine weeks long. At 51 days you still have a week of anticipation. How to tell if a dog is pregnant. 32 - 35. + Fetuses grow from 5-10 mm to 14-15 mm. Over this week, the spinal cord begins to develop. Thanks to efforts over the last few decades to encourage dog owners to spay and neuter their pets and not to allow them to breed unchecked, canine pregnancy today is usually deliberately achieved and carefully planned, to ensure that the subsequent litters are wanted and have the best chances of being healthy and good examples of their breeds. The gestation period is anywhere from 57-65 days and pets typically will drop their temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit 24 hrs before the labor process, so this is normal. (same care and suggestions as week one) Fourth week. Each week is a little different, and it is a joy to see the changes in the dog and realize puppies are on the way. Mar 30, 2017. The day after I checked on her stool and there were two small pieces there, the same day later I took her to the vet to get an X-ray which showed many little pieces of foil. About 24 hours before birth, this temperature should drop to about 98-99. However, docking puppy tails was routine for both working breeds and show dogs. Dog pregnancy symptoms. . Days 50-56 (Week 7) Baby (embryo): The tail is almost gone. A thousand questions crowd into your mind about what’s normal and what’s not. Dog Pregnancy Test #4: X-ray. (same care and suggestions as week one) Fourth week. It was not planned, my daugther let her outside not knowing any better when she was in heat without watching her and well now she is pregnant. The cost of insuring a male 3-year-old Lakeland Terrier in northern England would be £21. Dog Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week. Stages and dog pregnancy timeline month 1. Your 49-days pregnant dog is leaking clear fluid discharges because it is one of the usual symptoms of canine pregnancy. 2C, and once it drops below 37. You can expect a Staffy cross Jack Russell to fall somewhere in the middle of the following average measurements. The White Swiss Shepherd should be consistently provided a good quality, nutritious diet. Date of mating + 63 days = due date (2 months on average) This is the average amount of time from conception to delivery that dogs will be pregnant. The Reproductive Cycle in Dogs. Best Ultrasound. So, if your dog has just had their season, it is unlikely they are pregnant. A pregnant dog goes through a remarkable journey, and understanding the timeline is crucial. 8. However, this is just an average, and the puppies may arrive anywhere between 56 and 70 days. It’s been reported by some dog owners that their pregnant dogs have successfully gone into labor after 54-55 days, although that is relatively rare. This x-ray was taken three days before the puppies were born. No matter the size or breed, all dog gestation periods last between 57-65 days, or, around two months. The approximate duration for a dog’s pregnancy is 63 days. On day 1 7 breeding takes place. How to tell if a dog is pregnant. While the normal gestation period for a dog is about 63 days, this number varies widely. If you x-ray at days 55/56/57 then you will be able to see heads, spines, ribs. Puppy development is almost complete around day 58, which means the puppies will begin to move into whelping position in the birth canal over the last few days of the bitch’s pregnancy. Week 9. It can vary from around 58 to 72 days in total or between eight and 10 weeks. This is when. Highest: £3,500. Vomiting is also common. #3 Changes In Movement. For example, a Chihuahua is pregnant for the same amount of time as. 8 o F. If your dog is pregnant, a great deal of the health and immune status of her puppies in the weeks immediately following the birth will depend on the status of the dam herself, which means that it is important that your dog be vaccinated before she is mated. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of HästNet Sverige AB. . 5 degrees Celsius, labour is likely to commence within the next 24 hours. Answered by. The research shows that by the end of the fourth week, right around day 28, a veterinarian can confirm dog pregnancy with an ultrasound. Days 0- 7. A dog’s pregnancy length (or gestation period) is around 63 days from ovulation, or just over two months. If the pregnancy lasts longer than 65 days. See more ideas about pregnancy day by day, pregnant dog, pregnancy. Schedule an ultrasound for your expecting dog. According to research, the time that a dog is pregnant after ovulation is 65 days. The 9 week pregnant dog: days 56 – 63 A dog pregnancy ultrasound, which should be done around day 25–28 of the pregnancy. When temperature falls, indicates pups will be born in 12 to 24 hours. Typically, puppies should arrive about 63 days (just over 2 months) after conception. The cost of terminating a dog's pregnancy will vary depending on several factors, including the method used, the stage of pregnancy, and the location of the veterinary clinic. Yes, it is possible that Flossy is going into labor. I would take her temperature rectally. During week three, the implanted embryos will begin to develop their organs, which causes a massive hormone surge within the pregnant cat. However, the length of each stage can vary depending on the dog’s breed, size, and health. Injecting a dog with dexamethasone will also end a pregnancy. The vast majority are understood to be bully XLs, which are being added to the list of banned dogs from 1 February. People who work to rehome dogs have told the BBC some pounds are killing up to eight strays a day. Both extremes are pretty rare, however, and necessitate consultation with your veterinarian. If she’s pregnant for more than 67 days, you need to take her to the vet. A normal Pug pregnancy between a range of 60 to 65 days. Understanding the Average Dog Pregnancy Time Dogs typically have a relatively short gestation period, lasting about 63 days on average. According to WebMD, dogs are pregnant for roughly 63 days, which is exactly 9 weeks. These sperms are not immediately able to fertilize the egg must go through the stages of ripening. From the initial rise in progesterone: 64-66 days. – Feed your Goldendoodle a high-quality, balanced diet that is specifically formulated for pregnancy. More affectionate. As such, if you are unsure just when the mating occurred, it could prove to be a problem. How to Tell if Your Dog is Pregnant. The dog’s body shape is that of an athlete, with a well-muscled, broad neck and back, and a well-sloped croup leads to a moderately long tail with an upward curl. Figures from the Pets4Homes website, based on about 150,000. + Development of eyes and spinal cords. Lowest: £600. The gestation period of a dog is roughly 63 to 65 days. The Rough Collie is a very beautiful looking dog and one that boasts having a tremendous amount of dignity and elegance. From now on, the puppies have already formed ears, eyes, and teeth, nose, and limbs. The normal gestation period for dogs is approximately 63 days from conception to birth, though this can vary by several days depending on the breed. Age. Dog Pregnancy Stages Day By Day. Highest: £3,500. Although it’s impossible to give an exact amount of time for your dog’s pregnancy, the window for a pregnancy will usually fall within 56 to 70 days. At 51 days you still have a week of anticipation. Day 5-8. Here's what you need to know: 4. If your dog shows signs of discomfort, they may be getting ready to whelp. Average weight: Males 50 - 59 kg Females 38 - 50 kg. The condition presents with virtually no symptoms in most cases and the bitch may appear well and the pregnancy proceeding normally-however, canine brucellosis. Stages of dog. One of the most obvious signs is a change in your dog’s nipples, which will become enlarged and more pink or red than usual. This is a good time to start keeping a watchful eye for nesting behaviors and the very first contractions. Once you have left enough time, you can also check your dog using a store bought kit to see if it was successful. She was confirmed pregnant on day 38-40 by ultrasound with at least 5 pups. This normally occurs within 2-3 weeks of gestation, but is most evident at 21 days. And it’s surprisingly difficult to find an accurate guide as to dog pregnancy timeline symptoms. Smaller dog breeds tend to have shorter pregnancies, while larger breeds may have longer ones. 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The face appears to be that of a mammal but most closely resembles a pig-like. Decreased Activity. Avoid having lots of visitors or strangers around that your dog doesn’t know, and keep her bed and nesting box in a quiet area of the home. When broken down into trimesters, this comes out to 21 days per trimester. Irritability. Fax: 215-884-8851. This step by step guide tells you what to expect during your dog’s pregnancy and gives you practical advice and important information to help things run. Eight months old - 56 g to 156 g; Nine months old - 56 g to 139 g; Ten months old - 55 g to 138 g; An eleven-month-old Jackapoo puppy can slowly transition to eating adult dog food. Bengal Age: 2 years. This may be necessary if the pregnancy is not viable or must be terminated, but the owner wishes the bitch to be left entire for potential future breeding. Dexamethasone is. Have first vaccine,microchip,worm and flea treated. Published on August 24, 2020. However, this can vary significantly. k. Just make sure she's not doing a lot of jumping or running up steps. 11 However, palpation can be dangerous for the developing puppies if not performed properly by a veterinarian. However, predicting the exact day of birth may not be possible since it is difficult to determine the actual point of conception. Dog pregnancy can be confusing and stressful, as well as time-consuming and costly. 1. 4 - 38. Dog Pregnancy. There are no sutures or stitches to be removed afterwards, no chances of post-surgical infections or complications, and no wound site for your dog to lick or bother. £100. Staffy Jack dogs have a body similar to the Jack Russell, with a wider face resembling a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Canine brucellosis. (This does not always match the exact day of breeding. Maltipoos are delightful dogs with some being much smaller than others because it depends on which of the parent breeds they throw to. Dog Pregnancy Week 6 Pictures. 30. 5. While pregnancy undergoes, you will see the following signs that note the stages of pregnancy: Heartbeats – puppies` heartbeats, to be precise. 2 months) 1. The bitch will be very sensitive to any changes in her normal routine, food, exercise, etc. There are also purpose-designed foods made for pregnant and lactating dogs. Pomeranian Age: 10 weeks. £250 for 3 days If she is not pregnant in the first session then a second session is free. Pedigree Yes. The average is 63 to 65 days, which means most dogs will whelp between 63 and 65 days. Dogs are pregnant for about 63 days or nine weeks, though this may vary by a few days depending on several factors. 4 - 38. Dogs are usually pregnant for approximately 63 days (2 months) with a normal range being between 58 and 68 days. Hi All,This Video is about 6th week Pregnant Dog. On average, the dog gestation period lasts about 63 days or around nine weeks from ovulation to giving birth. The dog must be 25 to 30 days into the pregnancy for the test to be accurate. Generally speaking, however, most dogs will give birth between 58 and 64 days after conception. Surgical termination, which involves removing the fetuses from the uterus via a procedure, can cost $2000 - $3000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Weight gain. Dry dog foods typically contain 30-60% carbohydrates, with the majority being starch. The four stages of the female dog’s reproductive cycle are: Proestrus Estrus Diestrus Anestrus Proestrus lasts for about 9 days and is the first stage of the reproductive cycle. Buy puppies, sell puppies and adopt dogs, kittens, cats and other pets in your local area. Gradually, the skin from the dog’s abdomen and that around its nipples becomes thinner. A dog’s pregnancy duration can differ, but the general timeline is between 56 and 70 days. Calculate dog due date. Dog Pregnancy Calculator will help you to find the estimated due date for your favorite pregnant Dog’s due date. The average gestation period for all dog breeds is 63 days, including German Shepherds. carol66 · 03/04/2012 17:31. The Canine Pregnancy Timeline. By the end of your dog's second trimester, their belly will get bigger. Site is pets4homes. Once the temperature drops below 99F, your dog should go into labor within 24 hours. A vet has various tools to test for pregnancy, among them the hormone test, ultrasound, x-ray, or palpation. If your dog begins panting heavily, vomiting, or trembling. From day 50-56, the pups’ bones and. You can still feed and exercise your dog as normal. Health. Just like humans, dogs begin their pregnancy when. us Ultrasound Scanner Veterinary V16. Dog pregnancies usually last for nine weeks (60 days), but they might deliver sooner or later. During pregnancy, the developing puppies undergo significant growth and development. Panacur – Advisable to use daily from day 40 of pregnancy to 2 days post-whelping (approximately 25 days) Milbemax - safe to use in breeding dogs including pregnant and lactating bitches . 2. Two weeks before your dog’s due date, begin to take its temperature at noon. Swollen genitals, particularly around her vulva (the outer part of her genitals) A slight mucus discharge from her vagina. Dog pregnancies last between eight to nine. Dog Pregnancy Calendar and Timeline. There are plenty of ways to tell if your dog is pregnant. AA dog may give birth on day 58, but there is no one definitive answer to this question. As the weeks pass, changes become evident, with the pregnant dog’s belly gradually expanding. YOUR DOG’S PREGNANCY WEEK BY WEEK. This can range from three to 14 weeks depending on. You will also start to notice her tummy to swell quite a bit, which is a sure sign of dog pregnancy. Dogs. Caucasian Ovcharka. + Development of eyes and spinal cords. The other downside to this type of injection to terminate a pregnancy in. A veterinarian should examine the female dog before breeding to determine physical health and fitness for. A healthy canine pregnancy can last from 58 to 68 days, but the average delivery date is 63 days after mating. If your dog goes into labor before eight weeks or hasn’t given birth by ten weeks, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Nicknames Brittany Spaniel, Brittany Wiegref, Epagneul Breton, French Brittany. Pregnancy and birth-related health issues are not exceptionally common in dachshunds but they can. Learn how long are dogs pregnant,. The mammary glands will swell, and towards the time of the birth, begin to produce colostrum, the fore-runner to milk. Malformed eyes. I haven't been able to feel them move as of yet. (1) I have seen puppies born as early as 58 days post breeding, however, and heard of dogs that have gone as long as 72 days before delivering puppies. They have long muzzles that are about half the length of their entire head. As your dog's delivery date draws near, you'll need to prepare for whelping. The first litter of Bearded Collies was born in the States in 1969. It is possible to recognize the nose, mouth and lips. I would take her temperature rectally. 64-66 days from the initial rise in progesterone. As a result, acting quickly on signs of pregnancy is crucial to ensuring a comfortable, safe birth for your new puppies. If your dog is pregnant, you may notice the following signs. Stress. Sep 28, 2023 54 days to go. 23,996 Satisfied Customers. M. 26 - 9. A phantom pregnancy is when a bitch behaves to all intents and purposes as if she is pregnant, which may involve both behavioural and physical changes, when it is impossible for her to have conceived. Litter size can range from a single pup to as many as 10 or more. 56-58 days since the first day of diestrus. The different stages of dog pregnancy have varying lengths. Typically, the litter is born at 63 days, but 56- to 70-day gestations have been reported. They are 9 weeks old,born 28/08/2023. Bravecto chewable tablet –safe to use. Days 45-65. In the early stages of pregnancy, your dog is unlikely to show many signs other than slightly larger/pinker nipples and a swollen vulva (private parts). Pets & Animals for stud. Mixed-breed dogs tend to be. In the seventh week – start preparing a whelping box for your dog. The reproductive cycle of intact female dogs involves going into heat approximately once every 6 months, with each heat cycle lasting about 18-21 days. By week 4, the puppies can be felt by palpation. Author: thesprucepets. #1 Changes to the Mammary Glands. When it comes to the question of how long is a dog’s pregnancy, there isn’t one definitive answer. May 21, 2021 - Explore Cie Harris's board "dog pregnancy stages" on Pinterest. Lucky for you, this article is going to break down the entire dog pregnancy stages week by week in this handy guide. What Changes Will You Notice In Your Dog When She Is Pregnant Pets4homes . The approximate expected time of a dog's pregnancy is 63 days, although puppy gestation can vary by several days.