Answer:
Yes. If you are ready to have babies. they should be separated. And there is a likely chance that the mother will die because it depends on the age. They shouldn't be having babies if they are over 8 months old. I would keep mine separate. I lost my Mother guinea pig): I would reccomend you have two females in one cage or 2 males. Same gender. And it is true they live happier with mates(friends) they can also be put in cages with bunnies. I would go same gender if I was you(:. Have a wonderful time with your guinea pigs(: