Pregnancy Books

CONGRATULATIONS! When I was pregnant with my first, I really loved the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting". It gave detailed explanations of what was happening throughout the pregnancy.

1 mom found this helpful

Well I have to plug my OWN book,
"Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth"
by M. Jones (me!) and Sandy Jones (my mom!)
available at Barnes & Noble!
We wanted to write a book that was evidence-based, provided women with info to make their own decisions and was non-biased. We hated the way "What to Expect" talks down to pregnant women and is so judgmental about telling people what to do and what not to do but doesn't give reasons why.
So we wrote the kind of book that we would want to read!
Hope you pick it up & like it!

What to expect when your expecting is a great book. Depending on who your obgyn is they may give this book to u for free. I got one with all three kids and with each chapter as I got to that stage and went to the dr, I wrote down the progress of my pregnancy. So that way it personalizes the book for you

jenny mccarthy baby laughs and belly laughs are two great books that I found funny and informative.

When I became pregnant with my first, I purchased "What to Expect when You're Expecting" but never really got into it much. I did, however, LOVE "The Pregnancy Bible." It had great illustrations/photographs of the progression of your body and the baby throughout the pregnancy. It was very positive and informative and all-inclusive. It covers everything from conception through pregnancy to caring for yourself and your newborn post-delivery as well as advice for dads. LOVED it!

As for websites, I also used babyfit.com which was great for tracking my calories to ensure I was eating enough, and the forums were great. Kellymom.com is a GREAT reference for information about breastfeeding.

"What to Expect When You're Expecting" is the book I've gotten for all my daughters when they had their babies.

Congratulations!

I really liked The Pregnancy Bible by Joanne Stone and Keith Eddleman. It covers the pregnancy week by week has full color pages and covers just about everything you can think of. It is presented very postitively. I found What to Expect When Your Expecting to be very negative and scary. It covers the pregnancy month by month and has negative scary stuff in each of those chapters. The Pregnancy Bible has the information seperated out. In fact the edges of the pages are blue. so if you don't want to know you can avoid the section. And if unfortunately something arises during your pregnancy the information is easy to find.

Good luck. I hope you have a healthy baby.

I really liked The Baby Book by Dr. Sears. Anything by him is great!!

Hi R.,
How exciting! Congratulations! I loved babycenter.com and babyfit.com. Enjoy every moment!

Get the Girlfriends Guide to pregnancy, it's funny, helpful and just all around wonderful. It has a lot of information in it, but will make you laugh and just be happy. I have gotten it for all the pregnant women I know!!

Congradulations!!!

R.,
I read What to Expect When You Are Excepting and I think I still have it if you are interested in it,I am not sure where you live but I live right in Chester, if you are and would like it let me know and we can make arrangements so you can get it. Email me at ____@____.com.

Congrats by the way!

I had "What to Expect while you are Expecting" as well as one that week by week told me what was going on... size of baby, etc. I have also heard wonderful things about "Girlfriends guide to pregnancy". Hope this helps!

CONGRATS! I researched quite a few books and enjoyed the what to expect when you are expecting and then of course once your child is born the what to expect baby and toddler are great. I did not find this book negative at all and the author just recently put out a new edition to inlcude updated material! Best wishes!

i have several books in unread condition that i could sell. in fact i have all sorts of stuff like swings and bouncy chairs play mats etc my boys don't use anymore if you're interested in buying gently used intead of new!

The girlfriends guide to pregnancy (or being pregnant)-I can't remember which, but this book was awesome for explaining some of those things that people don't tell you. And the old standby What to Expect When Your Expecting is a must have for everything else. I found that while I was pregnant they were both great resources and I found myself checking them every night before bed. congratulations!!

I was given "So that's what they're for!" when I was pregnant with my first child. It's a book about breastfeeding, and I hadn't really considered it at all, but while I was on bedrest (ugh!) I had the time to read it and it was seriously life changing! I highly recommend it, especially if you are on the fence about breastfeeding. If you already know you want to do it, it's great to get you ready and know what to expect.

"Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way." is a fantastic book and will really help you prepare your body for birth (even if you are not using the Bradley Method) I loan it to all my friends and they love it. All the pregnancy/baby books by Dr. Sears are great. "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding." put out by La Leche League is marvelous as well, read it before the birth!
Congrats and enjoy your pregnancy!

What to Expect when YOu Are Expecting is AWESOME, they also have a follow up book for the first year and then toddler years I think. I also reccommend The Mother of All Pregnancy Books (yes that is the real name!). If you are going to breastfeed there is the Complete Book of Breastfeedcing - very dry reading but VERY helpful!!! Good Luck to you and your little one! Enjoy every moment and keep a journal! Also, take pictures of yourself during different stages of pregnancy! Take your vitamins and eat lots of fruits and veggies!

Congratulations. I found the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting" to be an awesome book. It went month by month and gave tips, pointers, and most of all 'what to expect' each month!

I loved Your Pregnancy Week by Week! I didn't care too much for What to Expect When You Are Expecting -- too negative! The Week by Week book even has pictures that show what your baby looks like weekly, and has a lot of great advice.
Congratulations, by the way!!!

congratulations! What to Expect when you're expecting is the best one out there I believe. My Ob/gyn even gave me a copy on my first visit, but I had already bought one. Sign up onto Babycenter.com. You can join a thread of the month you are expecting and talk with other moms/moms to be about what you are experiencing and ask questions about things going on during your pregnancy. They also have a lot of general information about everything. I love it. If you are thinking of breastfeeding, you can get A LOT of information on kellymom.com. And of course, this site. You can ask pretty much any question and there are a lot of moms who can answer your question. Don't be afraid to ask any question.

I really really don't like What to Expect books for varied reasons.

I suggest anything By the Sears family. Birth, Breastfeeding, Parenting, Baby, Discipline, etc.

They are not only very informative and encouraging, they leave room for allowing you to do things your own way, and are a fairly easy read for new parents.

Congratulations and good luck!

Take yourself to a La Leche League meeting anytime before birth, whether or not you have a class, if you plan to breastfeed. I cannot stress that enough!

I found
"What to Expect When You're Expecting" to be a very informative book on pregnancy. It explains step by step what is going on with your body. Another good one for after is "What to Expect the First Year." I hope this helps.

Congratulations! I read the Girlfriends Guide and What to Expect but I found both of them to be very negative. I think that "Ina May's Guide to Childbirth" is a MUST read for every woman, pregnant or not. "Spiritual Midwifery" (also by Ina May Gaskin) is fabulous as well. I also loved "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. "Birthing From Within" by Pam England is also brilliant. These books all treat pregnancy as the natural, beautiful thing that it is rather than a life-threatening medical condition that you need to be scared of. This is not to say that there aren't risks involved. Of course there are. I would just encourage you to seek out as much positive information as possible. Don't let people tell you their horror stories. Good luck to you! Enjoy every moment.

Best,
S.

Hi R.,

CONGRATULATIONS!!! :)

Some good websites are: www.llli.org, www.mothering.com, and www.kellymom.com. There are lots of good books out there, one of my favorites is Natural Birthing. My midwife said to stay away from the 'What to Expect...book' it talks about all the things that can wrong.

Good luck!!
S.

I recommend www.americanpregnancy.org I have been a member for ouver two years now. They have great information and an awesome forum section where you can meet all kinds of moms to be, new moms, etc. There are groups for everything in there!!! If you have the time, you should check it out!

A.

Hi R.,
I am a 1st time mother of an 18 month old beautiful baby boy! I highly recommend 'The Pregnancy Bible: Your complete guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood' By: Joanne Stone & Keith Eddleman. It has so much useful information and lots of pictures to help explain things. It is great thru your pregnancy and preparing for labor and delivery as well as when your preparing your home and what to expect when you bring your baby home. It even has a sections for daddy. I cherished that book when I was pregnant. Also, the book 'What to expect when your expecting' is a great and popular book as well. Both books are very affordable and can be found at Barnes & Noble, Babies-R-Us, Target, or Wal-mart too. I wish you the best of luck and Congratulations on your pregnancy. Remember to relax and enjoy every moment of this amazing journey. *Hugs*

I loved "The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy" by Vicky Iovine (a former playmate). The "what to expect" books scared me to death early in my pregnancy because I didn't fit the "norm" generalizations many of those books give. This was an honest book that took a lighthearted and comforting view. I have given it to all of my pregnant friends. Congratultions and God Bless!

I like The Pregnancy Book and The Birth Book both by Dr. and Martha Sears.

What to Expect when You're Expecting...and their website www.whattoexpect.com.

Best website: www.i-am-pregnant.com
If you sign up on this site (its free) you get assigned to your pregnancy week with a bunch of other women. Each week you get information about yourself and the baby and you can chat on a forum with other women. Since you are with the same group throughout the pregnancy you really get to know the other women well. It was a great support group for me during my first pregnancy. Everyone was really upbeat, supportive, and were willing to answer any questions, no matter how strange.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Enjoy the coming months!

What to expect when you're expecting.

AS a natural childbirth educator, I have book lists that I give to my students.
I do NOT reccommend "What to Expect...". It buys into the medical model of pregnancy and childbirth.
I DO suggest: Ina Mae's guide to Natural Childbirth; Henci Goer's - The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth; Breck Hawk's- Hey, Who's Having this Baby Anyway.
If you are looking to have a more natural birth, I also urge you to investigate birth centers in the area and talk to midwives. This is a great way to support you as well as your baby.
If you have any questions or just want to get more info. please feel free to contact me.
L. M
Birthbliss
HypnoBirthing Childbirth education and doula services in MD, DC and Northern Va

Congratulations! I loved What to Expect when you're expecting it was very informative. I can't remember the name of the website I joined which sent me emails every week saying what was happening that week. If I remember what it was I will let you know.

The website is babycenter.com

I liked the week by week guide of pregnancy. I found it much more informative than what to expect when you are expecting.

Hello,
My daughter is almost 3, and the book I found to be very informative is "what to expect when you're expecting". I also, sign up at Babycenter.com, they e-mail you a weekly update of your child's growth and what you may be going through and remedies. Congratulation on your motherhood. :-)

babycenter.com worked for me!
Congratulations and good luck:-)

Congratulations! The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is the one I prefer - for #s 1 and 2. No nonsense, just enough info so you know what's going on, not any fluff, and nothing that worries you too much. What to expect... was just to saccharin for me.

Best of luck to you and your little one!

Congratulations! I read "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and found it informative but it really played up all the negative things that can happen. My OB told me to get rid of it but I found it a really good reference. I loved "The Girlfriend's Guide To Pregnancy" It was funny while being informative and talked about things that weren't in any other book. I actually reread it while my best friend was pregnant and enjoyed it again. I liked americanbaby.com and babycenter.com. They each had a place where you could put in your due date and then they would send you weekly updates about what was going on. Good luck.
S.

"What to Expect when you are Expecting"

Check on Ebay, Paperback Swap or Half.com for little or no money. I really enjoyed this one. My daughters are 9 years apart and it was wonderful for both pregnancies.

T.

Congrats! What to Expect When Your Expecting. It is great and has been around for many years. They update it all the time, so you know you are getting the most recent information. It was recommended to me by a midwife at my first prenatal appointment during my first pregnancy.

Hi R.,

The best book I found was "What to Expect when Expecting.". This book is excellent and will take you through your entire pregnancy and will answer all of your questions. I lived with that book by myside with my first child.
God Bless you.
K.

I read "Your pregnancy week by week" I love reading what's happening every week. I read it with my first daughter and I am reading it now with bay number 2. A website that I like is Parents.com

The classic book is "What to expect when your expecting" by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg & Sandee Hathaway. It covers what you will need to know.

The other book you should get is "Baby Bargains" by Denise & Alan Fields. This book helps you in knowing what to buy from cribs to strollers, to baby blankets and bedding. It is the Consumer Reports for baby stuff. It will tell you where to get what you want for less money. Someone gave it to me and I found it to be the most helpful of all the books.

Congratulations!

Hi R.

I just had a baby 2 months ago and the website i use was whattoexpect.com it really worked for me. Good luck on the pregancy its so rewarding to be a mommy. If you need any other advise don't be afraid to e-mail me at ____@____.com is my e-mail address.

K.

I wanted to also recommend anything by Dr Sears (The Pregnancy Book, The Birth Book, The Baby Book). Also:
-Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth
-Hendi Goer's The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth

I'd also like to second the suggestion of attending a local La Leche League meeting before baby arrives.

My favorite website resource for pregnancy/parenting is the discussion forum at Mothering magazine's website: http://www.mothering.com/discussions/

Other good websites are:
-kellymom.com
-mothering.com
-askdrsears.com

Congratulations!!!

Definitely What to expect when you're expecting - I'm even using the same series for my 7 month old now~

Anything by Dr. Sears. Congrarulations!!!! : )
L.
www.jennifersclothdiaperboutique.com

Congratulations!! I had both What to expect whiling expecting and pregnancy week by week. Pregnancy week by week was my favorite because it covered each week where as the other one covers each month. Good Luck.

K.

I loved Your Pregnancy Week By Week - liked it more than What to Expect When You're Expecting.

I think they have a website too.

Congratulations and enjoy!

C.

Glade Curtis writes an incredible book called "Your pregnancy week by week". Much better than the month by month books, by far! I found myself voraciously reading about my pregnancies and then having to wait a month for really new info. Week by week....the way to go!

National Geographic Society puts out a DVD that is entitled: In The Womb. It is excellent! It takes you thru the journey of a womans' pregnancy from conception to delivery. Real ultrasound pics and everything!

I think their website is nationalgeographic.com/channel
Congratulations! AF

www.babycenter.com is a great website. It will walk you through every stage and beyond. Plus they also have a lot of groups and boards where you can find ideas on almost every topic imaginable. Good luck and congratulations.

"Nutrition for a Helathy Pregnancy" was a great book. It even has great recipes to follow.

Funny, I don't remember "What to Expect" being negative at all but so many people have said it. I followed it monthly and only skimmed the parts that didn't apply to me - the negative parts, I guess!

Babycenter.com is great as so many others have said.

R.,

My favorite book was "Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy". It is written in an entertaining and conversational tone. "What to Expect..." just made me worry about everything. I had to put it down and just use it as a reference book. As a website, I liked http://www.americanpregnancy.org/ It has a lot of different topics and an online support group by due date (which makes it more fun) or topic. Congrats!!! This is just the beginning of a wonderful time in your life.
J.

I really, really loved The Girlfriends'Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine. It gives you the real scoop on what to expect with such a cool attitude that you will find yourself laughing about even the most unglamourous parts of pregnancy :) The Girlfriends' Guide to Surviving the First Year is priceless, too!

Congratulations and enjoy every minute of it... even the nauseous ones :)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! What To Expect When You're Expecting was good for me. I also talked to friends & family who had children. Just remember everyone is so different so what's in the books may not fit you. None of the books told me I would be peeing 57 times a night just from my own spit LOL.

I've been subsribing to a great website (babycenter.com) since I was pregnant with my son 6 years ago. They give you weekly updates while you're pregnant and continue after the baby is born. It's also a great site for looking up info.
Congrats on your baby!!

Hi R.,
I have had two kids and I definitely loved my "What to Expect When Your Expecting" book. It goes through all the stages with you and can answer all kinds of questions for you. They also have other books like what to expect the 1st year and the toddler years. I love them all. Good luck with your pregnancy and be good to yourself. Enjoy your last months of freedom with no kids. I love mine dearly but everything changes once you have them.
G.