How many days does a pregnant mouse walk? - briefly
A mouse remains active for the whole gestation, which normally lasts 19–21 days. Mobility continues until delivery.
How many days does a pregnant mouse walk? - in detail
Pregnant laboratory mice carry their embryos for roughly 19‑21 days. Throughout this interval the females remain ambulatory; they move several times each day to obtain food, water, and nesting material. Daily locomotion typically ranges from 30 to 120 meters per cage, depending on strain, cage size, and environmental enrichment.
Key aspects influencing mobility:
- Gestational stage – Early and mid‑gestation show the highest activity levels; in the final 48‑72 hours, movement declines as the abdomen enlarges and the mouse prepares a nest.
- Strain differences – C57BL/6J females tend to travel less than outbred CD‑1 females, reflecting inherent behavioral variation.
- Housing conditions – Larger floor area, presence of tunnels, and nesting substrates increase total distance walked.
- Health status – Illness or metabolic stress can reduce daily steps dramatically.
Observational studies using infrared motion sensors report an average of 4‑6 active bouts per day, each lasting 5‑10 minutes. Energy expenditure rises by approximately 15‑20 % compared with non‑pregnant counterparts, reflecting the cost of fetal growth and thermoregulation.
In summary, a pregnant mouse remains physically active for the entire gestation period of about three weeks, with a modest reduction in walking distance during the last one to two days before parturition.