Pregnancy Is Dangerous for Bottlenose Dolphins

According to the conclusions of a new study conducted by biologist Shawn Noren, it would appear that bottlenose dolphin females swim a lot slower and more awkwardly when pregnant. This makes them significantly more vulnerable to predators, and decreases their chances of survival.

The expert and his group – all based at the University of California in Santa Cruz – say that would-be dolphin mothers need to take extra precautions when their baby bumps start to show. These conclusions are extremely important for future dolphin conservation efforts.

The new study was carried out on specimens that were a mere 10 days away from delivering their offspring into this world. Noren joined the animals living at a research facility called Dolphin Quest Hawaii, and observed them both before and after they gave birth.

The scientist was able to conclude that the animals displayed reduced speed and impaired maneuverability during the late stages of pregnancy. All their abilities returned once they had given birth, ScienceNow reports.