Stories like Kathleen's are not uncommon for twin pregnancies. Twin pregnancies are potentially more complicated and higher-risk than their singleton counterparts. Dr. Scott Moses of Chicago says, “Weight gain is 40 [pounds] instead of 28, you need more calcium, folic acid, more exercise.” Dr. Jodie Escobedo of Santa Monica, Calif. says, “There’s a higher rate of complications: morning sickness, placental bleeding, hypertension, diabetes, pre-term labor."

An important factor of twin pregnancies is the greater risk of premature delivery. Moses says that on average, twins are born at 36 ˝ weeks instead of 40 to 41 weeks for singletons. In addition, there are “many more admissions to the prenatal ICU. Most ICU beds are filled with multiples.” The long-term effects depend on the level of prematurity. "It depends on how premature," Moses says.

"If you find you’re having twins, prepare to be on bed rest for the end of your pregnancy," Escobedo says.

After Delivery
If twins bring double the happiness, they also double the stress. Kathleen Kabak says the lack of sleep was difficult in the beginning, but establishing a schedule eased a lot of the pressure. “A routine is important," she says. "Find something you’re comfortable with. Find what’s natural. Where sleep deprivation was a problem, it was just finding a routine or system. Then it worked.”

Another issue that may worry a twin mother-to-be is breastfeeding. For some, it already seems difficult to breastfeed one; how can they possibly nurse two babies? Escobedo says moms of twins get tired and some supplement, but Moses and Kabak are sources of inspiration: They both breastfed their twins for longer than a year. While they each found different means, the end was the same. They were able to nurse their babies on demand and maintain their own personal equilibrium.

Growing Up
One of the biggest concerns for couples having twins is the double hit to the pocketbook. But the Moses and the Kabak families say it's manageable. “The cost are definitely doubled,” Mike Kabak says, especially when it comes to things such as diapers and food.

But there are also some advantages that can balance out the costs. According to Moses, there is a stronger and more justifiable need to borrow. While they had to have “two swings, two Johnny Jumpers, two cribs…we scrounged a lot more.” There was also the advantage of hand-me-downs for Kabak and Moses. Moses’ son was considerably larger than his daughter, a size disparity sometimes seen in twins, and this created instant hand-me-downs from one child to the other.

While the challenge of meeting the needs of two personalities seems daunting to many expecting parents, the rewards of parenting are increased exponentially. “Now my kids play with each other," Moses says. "They understand sharing better than other kids. Those are things I wouldn’t trade.”