Pregnancy is such a wonderful period in life, so women usually try their best to enjoy it as much as possible. However, maternity requires prior theoretical preparation and practical activities. Thus, there appeared a necessity to share such knowledge, and one of the traditional ways to do that is spreading through the books. That is why this article is fully dedicated to the best pregnancy books and everything related to healthy childbirth. Keep an eye out!
Top 10 Pregnancy Books in 2021: Rated List and Reviews
Rank | Review | Name | Price | Author | Date | Page | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | What to Expect When You're Expecting | Check Here | Heidi Murkoff | 1984 | 656 | 9.9 |
2 | ![]() | We're Pregnant! | Check Here | Adrian Kulp | April 10, 2018 | 292 | 9.7 |
3 | ![]() | Expecting Better | Check Here | Emily Oster, Ph.D. | August 20, 2013 | 336 | 9.6 |
4 | ![]() | The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth | Check Here | Stephanie Brill | July 1, 2006 | 528 | 9.4 |
5 | ![]() | Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (2nd Edition) | Check Here | Dr. Myra J. Wick, M.D., Ph. D. | September 18, 2018 | 520 | 9.2 |
6 | ![]() | Taking Charge of Your Fertility | Check Here | Toni Weschler | December 31, 1995 | 560 | 9.1 |
7 | ![]() | The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be | Check Here | Armin A. Brott, Jennifer Ash | March 1, 1995 | 336 | 9.0 |
8 | ![]() | Ina May's Guide to Childbirth | Check Here | Ina May Gaskin, MA | January 1, 2003 | 400 | 8.9 |
9 | ![]() | Real Food for Pregnancy | Check Here | Lily Nichols | February 21, 2018 | 346 | 8.8 |
10 | ![]() | The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People | Check Here | Jordan Reid | April 25, 2017 | 176 | 8.6 |
What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Top Pregnancy Book Ever
The trusted source of information unexpectedly may change greatly while your body is totally under the control of hormones. And instead of top influential websites, you may want to see the other point of view as it is in books.
Thus, What to Expect When You’re Expecting has remained a bible for thousands of mothers who gave birth to their beloved children for almost 40 years. There are answers to the questions that are not usually even touched. Thus, not without a reason, this book is read almost by 93% moms-to-be.
- It touches numerous spheres of life and answers even weird questions
- It suits all family members including fathers and children
- There may come the wrong edition that is designed for the UK
We’re Pregnant: Great for Expectant Fathers
Expecting a baby is considered to be a natural thing, but becoming parents for the first time is a challenging period of life not only for the moms, but for dads as well, right up to the time when a child grows up. In some cases, men may require additional help or even a written guide that would instruct them what to do with a newborn baby, a capricious wife, and even with the whole household when the woman is able to do nothing with it.
Luckily, all the necessary knowledge is collected in We’re Pregnant! And women shouldn’t even worry about their soul mates since there are additional written extensions that will help fathers correct steps in preparing for birth.
- The used language is tolerant and positive
- It’s comprehensive and easy to read
- The idea of this book is rather encouraging dads-to-be, but there is a lack of basic information
Expecting Better: Must Read Book When Pregnant
For sure, once young ladies find out they are pregnant, they hear from their parents, friends, and doctors that they are totally forbidden to live their usual life. As a result, they must avoid drinking alcohol, eat sushi, and be stressed at all. However, moms-to-be hardly ever receive an argumentative and comprehensive explanation why it’s so.
There appeared a wonderful printing that gathered information about each prohibition. And, it’s made by an economist, who is also a great mom, – Emily Oster. This copy is highly recommended for reading. Moreover, readers will definitely find all the necessary information, so the maternity period and labor will be much easier from the physical and mental points of view.
- The book doesn’t say what to do but gives you a hint of the reason so the reader could make their own decision
- The labor and delivery section is one of the most realistic sections among other author’s descriptions
- There are lots of contradictions in the author’s statements throughout the book
The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth
While the majority of couples that consist of a man and a woman do not consider an artificial conception, lesbian couples have to thoroughly investigate how to prepare for the particular medical procedures.
The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception is the perfect and probably the only book that describes all the required steps of planning kids. Moreover, it also touches on the sexual activities recommended for the couple so the child in the womb can be totally safe. The book was created by a person who tightly works with lesbian couples and knows their “pains” firsthand.
- It is applicable for gay, blended and regular couples
- There is lots of information that is hardly ever published
- The author’s style may seem slightly pushy and intimidating
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: Good for First-Time Parents
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is an introduction to the vital steps of adult life – pregnancy and maternity. The style of this book is based on the medical point of view. Thus, readers will get acquainted not only with body and life transformations but also with new technologies and practices that promote a healthy and easy labor process.
In addition, readers will also get interactive pads, so moms-to-be can track their progress and wellness during the whole period of expecting a baby.
- The book prepares first-time parents for pregnancy and tells what they should expect from this
- There is no information about failures in conceiving and miscarriage
Taking Charge of Your Fertility: Ideal Natural Pregnancy Book
While the majority of pregnancy books are designed for encouraging, informing, and preparing an expectant, Taking Charge of Your Fertility is rather a collection of best practices of getting pregnant. In fact, the base of this copy is medical researches on fertility promotion. Readers will get acquainted with some exercises that will keep their gynecological health just repeating them for a few minutes a day.
- It helps women understand their bodies
- It allows the body to run like clockwork
- The style of writing is encouraging and delicate
- The quality of the printing is not good
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be
When men hear from their women about pregnancy, they are happy but might be not quite conscious of prospective changes in their couple’s life. The Expectant Father was created by a man who is a father of three, a successful and best-selling author. Having three children, he knows what it is like to be a dad, and he shares his stories and experience that might be quite comprehensive for dads.
The book is dedicated to preparing a dad-to-be for those inevitable changes and how to help a valuable partner throughout this interesting stage of life. Besides, the way of writing is relaxing and humorous that is supported by cartoons that resemble the New York Times’ ones.
- It gradually and calmly prepares men for emotional changes and tells how to overlive them
- It includes a cookbook
- Some may notice the patriarchal tone of writing
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth: Top Spiritual Pregnancy Book
Nowadays, due to technological progress, more women neglect the natural birth and prefer medical procedures that make the long-awaited process less painful. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s good for you. That’s why Ina May, a leading midwife of the nation, shares her several years standing experience and tries to prove that women can naturally control labor and turn pain into pleasure despite the preconception. All the comprehensive methods are collected and described in Guide to Childbirth.
- There are really efficient recommendations on how to give birth naturally without pain and potential damage to the fetus
- The plot is mostly based on true stories
- The stories that described in the book are from labors that were in a hippie commune only
Real Food for Pregnancy: Perfect Book About Pregnancy Nutrition
Everyone wants to have a healthy child. But what do parents-to-be have to do in order to supply their child with necessary elements for his or her health? For sure, the majority of couples attend prenatal courses, do fitness and other things before labor. But the main element that forms the base of the baby’s wellness is a holistic approach to the mother’s nutrition.
Thus, there is a highly recommended best seller Real Food for Pregnancy with not only recipes but the comprehension of why these products should be in dietary intake.
- There is a scientific approach to describing why this food is important for your condition
- It’s full of recipes, advice, recommendations on supplements, etc.
- There is a lack of excerpts of scientific evidence
- This book may not be suitable for vegans and vegetarians
The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People: Best Funny Read for the Pregnant
When you are at the birthing center waiting for labor, or you can’t move because of the danger of miscarriage, there is a wonderful way how to brighten up the boredom, especially when you completely get tired of the cellphone.
There is The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People that comprises numerous mazes, quizzes, and funny musings on flip pages that will make you laugh. As a result, you won’t remember the boring conditions around you soon.
- The content is really positive
- There are plenty of activities
- The book may come in not good condition
Other Books About Pregnancy That Worth Your Attention
Review | Name | Price | Author | Date | Pages | Description |
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![]() | Oh, Baby, the Places You'll Go! | Check Here | Tish Rabe | November 1, 1997 | 32 | The collection of the rhymed adventures of a baby. Specially created to read aloud for toddlers or babies-to-be. |
![]() | The Whole 9 Months: a Week-by-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide With Recipes for a Healthy Start | Check Here | Jennifer Lang, M.D. | September 20, 2016 | 222 | The book describes the importance of a mother’s responsibility for 9 months. It includes numerous healthy recipes, scientific information, and useful tricks. The book is admitted by thecelebrityJessica Alba. |
![]() | The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth | Check Here | Genevieve Howland | April 25, 2017 | 528 | A natural way of giving birth should be morepopularamong mothers-to-be so the children can be much healthier. There are recommendations on how to achieve it. |
![]() | Your Pregnancy Week by Week | Check Here | Glade B. Curtis, Judith Schuler | March 3, 2003 | 480 | The couple’s joint work is really important during the pregnancy period. There are recommendations on what parents should do based on a medical point of view. |
![]() | Pregnancy Day By Day | Check Here | Maggie Blott | July 1, 20093 | 496 | Recommendations that cover all the aspects of the pregnancy period. And there is a comprehension of how a mother’s body transforms. |
![]() | The Pregnant Body Book | Check Here | DK Publishing | May 30, 2011 | 256 | The book is a perfectfitfor mothers and medical students. They will get an idea of what’s happening inside the mother’s and baby’s bodies at each stage. |
![]() | Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth | Check Here | Jenny McCarthy | April 14, 2004 | 165 | A pregnant woman will hardly ever tell somebody how she feels when there is a combination of adverse conditions. This book will reveal everything and make everyone laugh. |
![]() | Dude, You're Gonna Be a Dad! | Check Here | John Pfeiffer | March 18, 2011 | 224 | Pregnancy for dads is a risky period to become a hated person in the wife’s eyes. In order to prevent it, there is a guide with hints. |
![]() | Before Birth | Check Here | Julie Currin, M.D. | December 16, 2015 | 92 | Being a certified pediatrician, the author realized that parents with no proper education should know all the stages of fetus development. Thus, the author along with her sister created a comprehension of what it looks like in a simple language. |
![]() | How to Conceive Naturally | Check Here | Christa Orecchio CN, Willow Buckley CCH | October 20, 2015 | 400 | Because of the modern lifestyle, usually, women have to ask for medical help in order to conceive a baby. However, there is an alternative way - the natural one. |
![]() | I'm Pregnant! | Check Here | Lesley Regan, MD | August 25, 2005 | 448 | New parents always feel overloaded with information. However, there is a guide with weekly observations on how their babies progress without medical terms. |
![]() | Natural Hospital Birth | Check Here | Cynthia Gabriel | March 17, 2011 | 272 | Sometimes, even natural birth is supplied with assistance of meds. There is a guide that shows parents and hospital personnel how to avoid such invasion. |
![]() | Pregnancy Fitness | Check Here | Julia Di Paolo, Samantha Montpetit-Huynh, Kim Vopni | October 13, 2017 | 296 | Pregnancy is not necessarily the reason why you can’t attend yoga classes. In fact, you can do any physical activities following the recommendations in this book. |
![]() | Spiritual Pregnancy: Develop, Nurture & Embrace the Journey to Motherhood | Check Here | Shawn A. Tassone, M.D. Ph. D., Kathryn M. Landherr, M.D. | January 1, 2014 | 312 | The common information about giving birth should not be the only aspect of preparation. You should also clear your mind, soul, and mental health, too. |
![]() | The Complete Organic Pregnancy | Check Here | Deirdre Dolan | September 26, 2006 | 304 | Unfortunately, nowadays the environment is overloaded with toxins and various negative influencers on your health. This book is dedicated to an organic lifestyle that will reveal the secrets on how to avoid adverse conditions. |
![]() | The Holistic Guide to Twin Pregnancy | Check Here | Breann Blehm | April 30, 2019 | 145 | While giving birth to a single child is a tough thing, giving birth to asecondchild -twin- is a huge accomplishment. There is a complex of recommendations for a special pregnancy. |
![]() | Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying, and Pleasurable Birth Experience | Check Here | Elizabeth Davis, Debra Pascali-Bonaro | June 8, 2010 | 288 | There are 2 contradictions in the title: orgasm and labor. Believe it or not, they are possible simultaneously but only after practicing particular exercises given in this book. |
![]() | Dude to Dad | Check Here | Hugh Weber | June 10, 2013 | 132 | The adventurous journey of the man who experienced terrifying wife’s words about test till holding the baby. |
![]() | What to Eat When You're Pregnant | Check Here | Nicole M. Avena, PhD | June 9, 2015 | 240 | Everything that happens to mom when she’s pregnant influences baby’s development and health. Luckily, you can adjust your food habits in order to give birth to a healthy baby. |
![]() | The Birth Partner | Check Here | Penny Simkin, PT | August 15, 1989 | 440 | The next stage of relationship development is trust. So what can be better than a chance to be with a partner throughout labor and giving birth? |
![]() | What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know | Check Here | Gail Sforza Brewer | September 1, 1977 | 243 | This book is essential for every mom-to-be. It reveals the information about dieting and drug influence. |
![]() | The Everything Pregnancy Book | Check Here | Paula Ford-Martin | September 1, 2003 | 352 | The book that answers all the expectant’s questions. |
![]() | The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy | Check Here | Vicki Lovine | October 1, 1995 | 288 | Sometimes, when expectants are capricious, and they don’t want to see anyone, the only thing you can do is to give them a hug. This book is some kind of treatment that shows and explains all the aspects of such a mood. |
![]() | Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy and Baby's First Year | Check Here | Mayo Clinic | December 8, 1994 | 768 | While the majority of books cover only the childbirth aspect, this one explains everything including starting a family till toddler’s first birthday. |
![]() | Becoming Mother | Check Here | Sharon Tjaden-Glass, BA, MA | July 30, 2015 | 296 | Although almost every woman experiences maternity, she hardly ever shares her journey of mental struggle and transformation. There is a journey of a woman that shares her inner world and what’s happening to her since she found out she’s pregnant. |
![]() | The Baby Bump: 100s of Secrets to Surviving Those 9 Long Months | Check Here | Carley Roney | September 8, 2010 | 176 | Sometimes it happens that parents of parents-to-be are not always close to them and don’t share their life experience. This book is some kind of tutorial on how to deal with all the difficulties and cases that may happen during the pregnancy period. |
![]() | How to Get Pregnant, Even When You've Tried Everything: A Mind-Body Guide to Fertility | Check Here | A'ndrea Reiter | July 8, 2018 | 192 | You might have already tried numerous methods and techniques to conceive, but nothing changes. The main thing in this case is not to give up since, for sure, nothing is yet lost. |
![]() | Sidekick | Check Here | Brig Berthold | February 19, 2019 | 152 | Not without a purpose, the title says about a sidekick. In fact, want this or not, but you should accept that you are a friend for your wife for the first 3 months. |
![]() | Let's Panic About Babies! | Check Here | Alice Bradley, Eden M. Kennedy | March 1, 2011 | 272 | Despite the title, the plot of the book is totally opposite. It will keep you updated and informed all probable cases within all 9 months. |
![]() | The Sh!t No One Tells You About Pregnancy | Check Here | Dawn Dais | June 4, 2013 | 256 | You shouldn’t feel lonely with the book from Dawn Dais. This one tells you everything you need to know about your body and what’s happening to it while you are carrying a baby. |
Interesting Facts
If you still don’t know which book from the listed above suit you the most, then probably some interesting facts will entertain you for a while. After a pause, you can make your decision. Thus, you are highly recommended checking all of them first.
- The first edition of What to Expect When You’re Expecting was released in 1984. It brought stunning success, so the publisher extended one edition to a series of books.
- Since What to Expect When You’re Expecting has become a bedside read for the majority of women, producers decided to create a comedy that was released in 2012.
- Oh, the Places You’ll go! is a part of salutation used in a college where the author Dr. Seuss studied.
- You may think that pregnancy has nothing in common with economics. However, Emily Oster joined these unjoinable things together. In fact, her book Expecting Better is based on the research that was created with the help of economics tools.
- Although Jenny McCarthy wrote her book Belly Laughs in a humorous and positive manner, she was inspired to create it after being pregnant. It so happened that she gave birth to a boy who suffers from autism. Some time later, she started to promote the researching of treatments for autism.
Hopefully, some of these facts inspired you, and now you are ready to choose one copy among this huge list.
In Closing
It doesn’t matter how many interwebs you have already checked and will, how much information you have already got from your parents and grandparents – you will always think it’s not enough, and you’ve missed something important. However, it just seems like that. Actually, in this case, it’s highly likely you are looking for a piece of encouragement. Thus, there is a review of several books from the authors that felt what you experience and share the most ridiculous information with you. The only thing you need to do is to choose one of the highly rated books or read all of them if you want.
References
- What Are the Best Books on Pregnancy? – https://www.quora.com/
- Favorite Pregnancy/Parenting Books – https://www.reddit.com/
- Essential Reading for Pregnancy and Beyond – https://www.reddit.com/