Possible Birth?

[<Kaitlynn> <Klug>]

Alrighty..

      I've had gerbils for a good few years now, and not once have I beared
witness to a birth of a litter.  Kind of strange, huh?  I always seem to miss
it.. hmf!   Regardless.. I have a question that I'm sure many of you
labor-witnesses can answer.. or maybe a gerbil health expert.  A young female
in one of my breeding pairs could very well be pregnant, and nearing her
birth time.  This would be her first litter, she's been with her mate since
they were young.. we all know how those first litters are- small 'n sneaky.
(;  
      Anyhu, I've been peering around the cage a lot for the last week
because the two of them have been displaying Pre and Post birth habits.. You
know, when the male starts to make new nests until one is *just right*.. and
keeps 'checking' the female to see if the pups are on way.  Also, he's been
distant when she sleeps in the nest- he'll kind of wander about the cage
aimlessly and sleep away from her.  I've noticed all of these behavoirs in
previous pairs of mine.. so obviously, I expected some pups very soon.  I
checked on the female a few minutes ago, and on her rear it seems as though a
red liquid is being .. er.. excreted.  Sorry to get so graphic here, but like
I said- I've never witnessed a birth before, so I thought this might be the
beginnings of one.  I could be way off though.. is there a health problem at
hand?  

Any help is greatly appreciated..

-[.. Kay ..]-
-[.. Gerbils From the Choirgirl Hotel ..]-
-[.. 'N Crew ..]-