Is this birth or illness??

Again, not so much the emergency, but can't post pictures elsewhere. I have a guppy that was pregnant when I got her 4 weeks ago. She's VERY pregnant now, and I'm wondering if she's close to giving birth. She's had a gravid spot on her for 3 weeks now, but today she's gotten a shiny gold area near that spot, too. I just wonder if this part of the birthing process or if it's an illness (fungus, etc) I've had some problems recently, though the stats are all great.
Here's a pic, though it's not so great. I'll try to get a better one if need be.
Thanks!

she doesnt look that big, but it depends on her age and size how many she will have. the gold looks like colouring. they give birth every 4 weeks or so and can carry sperm for three loads of babies.

I have to say that spot is probably just markings. Signs that she is very close to giving birth include getting moody, chasing other fish away, and she will look squarish if you look at her face on.

Well, the only thing about the gold is that she hasn't had it at all until today. Here's another picture, though she's not too in focus. I just wanted to show her size.

Wow, she's pretty big. I'd say she'll have her babies in about a week, or so. Maybe a little sooner.

Markings can come up pretty fast...but could you get a closer picture of this spot?

Just a tip...next time, you might want to post this in the Livebearers section.

Sorry about putting it in the wrong place... I'm still fairly new here and forget that each type has it's own area. )
Here's a pic, but I don't know if you can see it much better.

Is she flicking and rubbing on objects as a gold dusting can be velvet.

Well, she did flick a little about 3 days ago, but I was treating my guppies (the ones who died) with Melafix and Pimafix and she stopped within an hour. She hasn't done that since then, and the gold coloring just showed up today.
Pysgodyn, she looks JUST like yours! Good luck with the frys (or is it fries!?)

sometimes live bearers who are pregnant aren't the best to medicate unless absolutely necessary, as the stress can cause them to abort their babies. However that spot looks ok to me, I am not an expert by any means but if she is acting funny it can because the labour is approaching and they get quite funny. don't we all? anyways, remembering that the technology of breeding fish hasn't caught up to modern day medicine for people, their is a high chance of complications, if she starts getting into a U shape nose into the ground you may have to give her a little gentle help birthing her fry. she'd have to be removed into another container containing the tank water and gently massage her belly (in the direction that the fry would be birthed) holding her against the side. It has worked for us, but we ended up losing her anyway. At this late stage of her pregnancy she will be stressed anyway. Its a nervous time, good luck

Wow -- Mid-wifing a fish! I've heard everything now!
I'll keep an eye on her closely. She's been ok since that one episode a few days ago, so hopefully everything is good. Thanks for the tips!

BTW, xanthianacid, is that your Betta (Purple Marauder)? He's beautiful! I'll have to post some pix of my bettas (Frankie and Pedro). I don't know what kind they are (the tail shape or whatever), I just love them!