Breeding Syrian

Question
How long do Syrian hamsters have to be together before the female is pregnant? Also I've heard that you shouldn't hold the mother while she is pregnant, is there a certain time before the mother gives birth that you can't hold her?

Answer
Hi Sam,

    You should leave the male and female mate for a least a hour, unless they start fighting. This does not mean that she will get pregnant, but there is a very good chance of it happening.
    When a female hamster is pregnant, you can hold her, if she will let you, up until 3 days before she is due. This is also when the cage should be cleaned and the wheel should be removed.
    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing!