How to identify when my female piggie is prengnant?

Question
Hi, i suspect that my female piggie is pregnant as she has bloated stomach.  How do i confirm this without bringing her to the vet?

thanks a million for your help!

Jennifer

Answer
Jennifer --

Well, if your guinea pig is pregnant, the swelling will be all the way back at her hips.  In fact, she will look as though she is wearing a set of saddlebags.  Her front half will look almost normal, but her back half will be able twice its normal size.  If its her stomach region that is bloated, I would have a vet take a look at it to determine whether its a pregnancy or something more serious.  Also, at the point in a pregnancy where the sow is visually swelling, you should also be able to see kickers -- that means you should be able to see and feel the babies kicking.

Hope this is helpful.  If you have any more questions, need clarification on anything I've said today, or have determined her pregnancy and need advice on what to do next, please feel free to write me again.  Good luck!

Lorena