Labrador Retriever Pregnancy Week by Week
When a Labrador Retriever is expecting puppies, each week brings new changes as the puppies grow inside her. A Lab’s pregnancy is usually around 63 days, which is about 9 weeks. Knowing what happens during this time helps you take good care of her and make sure both the mother and her puppies stay healthy.
Below is a complete week-by-week Labrador Retriever pregnancy guide, explaining what is happening inside her body, what signs to watch for, and how to care for her at every step.
Labrador Retriever Pregnancy Length
A Lab’s gestation period typically ranges from 58 to 68 days, with an average of 63 days after ovulation.
However, pinpointing the exact due date can be tricky without veterinary testing because conception does not always happen the same day as mating.
Vets often confirm pregnancy around day 25–30 using an ultrasound or blood test for the hormone relaxin (source: AKC).
Labrador Retriever Pregnancy Week by Week Timeline
Let’s walk through each week, step by step, from the moment your Lab conceives to the day she gives birth. This guide will help you understand what is happening at every stage and how you can best support her along the way.
Week 1: Fertilization and Early Cell Division
- What’s happening: After mating, sperm can survive in the female for up to a week. Fertilization usually occurs within a few days once eggs are released.
- Inside her body: Fertilized eggs begin dividing into multicellular embryos as they travel toward the uterus.
- Care tips: Keep things normal, regular exercise, normal diet, and no medications unless prescribed by a vet. Avoid vaccinations or deworming during this time.
Signs: No visible changes yet. She may rest a bit more, but behavior stays mostly the same.
Week 2: Embryo Development Begins
- What’s happening: Tiny embryos continue to grow and move toward the uterine horns, where they will implant around the end of this week.
- Care tips: Continue regular feeding. Avoid stress or rough play, early embryos are delicate.
Pro tip: Avoid changing her diet too early; overfeeding now can cause weight gain before it is needed.
Week 3: Implantation in the Uterus
- What’s happening: Around days 19–21, embryos implant into the uterine lining. This is when pregnancy truly “takes hold.”
- Possible signs: Mild decrease in appetite, slight lethargy, or moodiness. Some females show a small amount of clear discharge.
Care tips: Keep her diet balanced but light. Gentle walks are fine; no strenuous activity.
Week 4: Pregnancy Confirmation & Hormonal Shifts
- What’s happening: Embryos develop into tiny fetuses, each about 1.5 cm long. Organs start forming.
- Vet check: This is the best time for an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy (day 25–30).
- Care tips: Begin prenatal supplements (consult vet first). Maintain calm surroundings, stress can affect implantation.
Signs: Nipples may enlarge or pinken; slight weight gain begins.
Week 5: Noticeable Physical Changes
- What’s happening: Fetuses grow rapidly. The placentas develop and provide nourishment.
- Care tips: Gradually increase food quantity (about 10–15% more). Feed smaller, more frequent meals as her stomach capacity reduces later on.
- Signs: Belly begins to round; she may eat more and rest more.
Week 6: Puppy Growth Accelerates
- What’s happening: Puppies now resemble miniature dogs with forming claws, whiskers, and eyelids.
- Care tips:
– Switch to a high-quality puppy food, it is richer in protein and calcium for developing pups.
– Avoid calcium supplements unless advised by a vet (too early supplementation can cause eclampsia later).
Signs: Abdomen enlarges visibly, appetite increases, and she may start “nesting.”
Week 7: Preparing for Whelping
- What’s happening: Fetuses continue to gain weight and fur begins to grow.
- Care tips:
– Start preparing a whelping area — quiet, clean, and warm.
– Trim her abdominal hair slightly to make nursing easier. - Signs: Nipples enlarge further, clear discharge may appear. Appetite may dip slightly as space in her abdomen tightens.
Recommended products:
- Whelping box with washable liner
- Thermometer (to track pre-labor temperature drop)
- Puppy-safe heating pad (low setting)
Week 8: Final Growth and Rest
- What’s happening: Puppies are nearly full-term, moving inside her belly.
- Care tips:
– Reduce exercise to light, supervised walks only.
– Monitor body temperature daily, a drop to ~98°F usually means labor will start within 24 hours.
– Keep her clean and calm. - Signs: May refuse food, show nesting behavior, or appear restless. Milk may leak from nipples.
Week 9: Labor and Whelping
What’s happening: The big week. Most Labradors whelp between days 61–64.
Stages of labor:
1. Pre-labor: Restlessness, panting, nesting, temperature drop.
2. Delivery: First pup arrives; subsequent pups follow every 30–60 minutes.
3. Afterbirth: Each puppy is followed by its placenta, count them to ensure none remain.
Care tips:
- Stay nearby but calm, interference can cause stress.
- Have your vet’s number ready in case of prolonged labor or distress.
- Provide warmth and quiet after birth.
Postpartum Care for Labrador Moms
After whelping, ensure:
- Fresh water and small, frequent meals
- Clean bedding daily
- Regular vet checkups (within 24–48 hours)
- Monitoring for fever, swelling, or unusual discharge
Lactation burns calories fast, feed a nutrient-rich puppy formula diet to support milk production.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
How can you tell if your Lab is pregnant early on?
During the first few weeks, it is hard to tell just by looking. Subtle clues include slightly enlarged nipples, mild tiredness, or a small drop in appetite. The only sure way is an ultrasound around day 25 or a relaxin hormone test done by a vet.
What’s the best food for a pregnant dog?
From week 5 onward, switch to a premium puppy food formulated for growth, it has the protein, calcium, and calories needed for developing pups. Avoid calcium supplements unless your vet advises; too much can cause health issues later.
How many puppies do Labs usually have?
Most Labradors have 6 to 8 puppies, though some may have as few as 4 or as many as 10 or more. Litter size depends on genetics, age, and overall health.
When should you set up the whelping area?
Begin setting up the whelping area around week 7. Most dogs start nesting early, and a calm, comfortable space helps them feel safe and ready for labor.
How do you know labor is close?
You will notice restlessness, nesting, and a sudden drop in body temperature (below 99°F). Most dogs go into labor within 24 hours of that temperature change.
Should a pregnant Labrador keep exercising?
Yes, light walks and gentle movement are perfect to keep her muscles toned. Just skip the rough play and long runs after week 5 to avoid unnecessary strain.
When should the vet check her after birth?
A quick post-whelping vet visit within 24–48 hours ensures the mother’s uterus is clear and all puppies are healthy.