I think my guinea pig may be pregnant.

Question
I got my female guinea pig, Layla, about 7 weeks ago.  When she was in the pet store, she was in a cage with a male.  They said that she had been in there for 2 and a half weeks.  I did my research and have been watching for signs of pregnancy, but I've gotten conflicting information from different places.  I would greatly appreciate your professional opinion.  She has gotten a little rounder around her middle recently, but I don't know how to feel for babies.  She has started drinking more and very recently doesn't really care to do anything but eat, drink, and lie down.  Also, I have not seen her exhibit any unusual behavior (Like she would if she was in heat, if I am correct?).  Some websites I have been to say that the pregnant cavy won't let you touch her stomach, but Layla doesn't seem to mind it any more than she normally minds being picked up.  I'm really worried about her because a lot of things that I have read say that many pregnant cavies and pups don't make it through the delivery.  One more thing: I have tried giving her some veggies and fruit but she doesn't like most of the things I give her.  Do you have some recommendations of things to try?  Thank you so much for your help.  Sorry about the long letter!

Answer
Well first of all Elizabeth you don't need to apologize for the length of your letter. That's what we're here for.  

If she is pregnant and your dates are correct then she should be due to deliver anywhere from now to three weeks from now. She could have gotten pregnant as late as the day you got her, so it's difficult to determine the exact date of conception. Not all pigs look really pregnant until they are very close to having their litter. You won't feel babies until about two weeks before she's going to give birth. If you put your hands on either side of her tummy and gently press just a little you can sometimes feel a little kick.

I think you might be worrying needlessly about her being able to give birth. Most of the time the sows do just fine. Yes, there is the possibility of stillborn babies. But think of it this way, there's nothing you can do right now to change the future. So stop worrying and think positive.

Not all cavies like veggies and fruits, especially if they've never been offered any before. Usually lettuce, carrots and parsley are their favorites. Offer her just a small piece of carrot and see what happens. Parsley usually is a big favorite, but again if she hasn't ever had them it will take her awhile to decide it's okay.  Just give little offerings and sooner or later she will learn to enjoy them. Every pig has their own preference just like people do.

If she's in a cage by herself you wouldn't know when she was in heat. They don't display the same way other animals do, so generally we don't know at all when the time comes. So my best advice is to just enjoy your pig and don't worry about what may happen next week or month.  I have a feeling things will be just fine.