PITTSBURGH -- Sextuplets born 12 weeks premature were in critical but stable condition Thursday, each breathing with the aid of a ventilator.

The three boys and three girls were delivered Wednesday to Erin and Joe Perry, both 33. The couple used fertility drugs and worked with a fertility clinic, doctors said.

Dr. Cynthia Sims, who performed the delivery at Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said she was optimistic about the newborns because the pregnancy went well.

"After a very good pregnancy, we're very pleased," Sims said. "We certainly know that the journey is a long one."

Ian, Simon, Olivia, Zoe, Joshua and Madison were delivered after a 28-week pregnancy. Their birth weights ranged from 1 pound, 9 ounces -- in Madison's case -- to 2-pound, 9-ounce Ian.

The Perrys, who live outside Pittsburgh, also have a 3-year-old son.

Complications after multiple births often involve the proper formation of the heart, lungs and brain, doctors said.

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