I think you are right. They seem to take their que from us. Abby was 6.6 lbs. before pg. So I think she will handle the birthing fine, but have vets number just in case there are problems that I don't foresee. Abby's mom is about abby's size and her first litter was 5 and she did well all by herself. So if daughter takes after mom we should be fine.