Whelping Preparation,  West Highland White

A comfortable area in your home, should be set aside for whelping and raising the puppies. The female should feel at home there and should be able to come and go as she likes while the puppies must remain secure.

The gestation period of the dog is considered to be in the range of 58-68 days, average 62 days.

Labor
When the time approaches, you should begin monitoring her rectal temperature. Normal dog temprature is between 100°F to 102°F, When her temperature drops below 100°F labor may start within 24 hours.
First Stage
Uterine contractions begin, the female will look very restless and may pace back and forth, scratch the floor or pant, She may also be sick.This is all normal and all you can do is see that the female has water available should she want it. This stage can last 12 hours while the full dilation of the cervix happens in preparation to expel a puppy.
Second Stage
The second stage is the "hard labor" stage, in which the puppy is expelled.
Third Stage
The expulsion of the placenta and afterbirth, each pup may not be followed by afterbirth. She may pass 2 pups and then 2 placentas.

Membranes