Update: Marie had her twins! As we wait for the birth story, here is the happy news! Heather was born at 4:18 p.m., weighing 3 pounds, 12 ounces, and is 16 1/2 inches long, with apgars of 8 and 9. Hannah was born at 4:19 pm, weighing in at 4 pounds even, and is 16 1/4 inches long with apgars of 8 and 9.

QUESTION

Dear Ms Ultrasound,
I am 27 years old and pregnant for the 6th time. I have two children, 8 years and 3 years and have suffered 3 early miscarriages. My last period was May 13, 2004.

Eating right and gaining the recommended amount of weight is important in any pregnancy, but this is especially important when carrying more than one baby.

Hypertension in pregnancy is an umbrella term for a group of serious disorders that includes chronic high blood pressure (which starts before pregnancy), eclampsia, preeclampsia and a disorder called HELLP syndrome.

QUESTION

Dear Ms Ultrasound,

Of all multiples, twins normally face the fewest medical problems and complications. Each additional baby a woman carries at one time increases the possibility of developing complications.

Preeclampsia occurs when a woman's blood pressure rises, and it affects seven percent of all pregnancies worldwide. It most frequently strikes first-time mothers and women who are carrying twins, or multiple pregnancies.

Pregnancy-induced clumsiness or "PIC" is a real phenomena. Its basis stems from a combination of physical and emotional factors, which increase as the pregnancy progresses.