Pregnancy can be a challenging experience, especially when it's your first time. The mood swings, stomach upsets, doubts, fear, uncertainty, and so much more can be a lot to handle. This is where the best pregnancy books come in handy.
Getting information and guidance about what to do and what not to do can help ease your anxieties and worries. We've created a list of the best books to help you through to a successful and healthy pregnancy.
We hope that this helpful advice and practical advice can help you through your term. Let's dive in.
Best Pregnancy Books
1. What to Expect When You're Expecting Paperback
- A completely revised and updated edition of America’s pregnancy bible, the longest-running New York Times bestseller ever.
- With 18.5 million copies in print, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is read by 93% of women who read a pregnancy book and was named one of the “Most Influential Books of the Last 25 Years” by USA Today.
- This cover-to-cover (including the cover!) new edition is filled with must-have information, advice, insight, and tips for a new generation of moms and dads.
- Murkoff, Heidi (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
It's no surprise that this comprehensive book is at the top of our list. This classic book is renowned worldwide for being one of the best go-to books, especially for your first pregnancy. Don't be frightened by the size of this book, as the 600 plus pages have everything you need to be prepared to handle the new addition to the family.
Another great reason why you should get this book is that it has information for dads as well. So you can share the experience of learning new things with your partner. You also don't have to read every page. Feel free to skip to the areas that you feel you need the most.
For example, handling the new pregnancy lifestyle, pregnancy symptoms, how to handle them, what to do when carrying multiples, and so much more. Heidi Murkoff also has other books in the What to Expect series of pregnancy and other parenting books. You can also download her app and check out her website for more information.
2. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
- Random House
- Ina May Gaskin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages - 03/04/2003 (Publication Date) - Bantam (Publisher)
If you're nervous about giving birth or are one of the many first-time moms, this is the book for you. Ina May is popularly known as the mother of modern midwifery for a good reason. Her ideas are amazing and perfect for our modern times. You will get to read about successful birth stories in the first half of the book that will chase all your fears away.
In the second half of the story, you'll get crucial information about the birth process. You'll get a good idea about what the birth process feels like and what you need to do to get prepared. So be prepared to say goodbye to your fears.
3. Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong-and What You Really Need to Know
- Oster, Emily (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages - 06/24/2014 (Publication Date) - Penguin Publishing Group (Publisher)
Award-winning economist Emily Oster is responsible for this beautiful work of art that debunks common myths about pregnancy. Emily evaluated all the data she could find about the accepted rules of pregnancy and concluded that women should come up with their own informed choices.
If the idea of going months without caffeine or your occasional glass of wine feels like torture, get this book. We are told to avoid caffeine, sushi, alcohol, and many things during the period without being told why. Well, Emily is here to save us from our plight with this information-packed book.
Get this pregnancy book and get empowered to make your own decisions safely.
4. The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide to Dads-to-Be
- Hardcover Book
- Ash Rudick, Jennifer (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages - 05/26/2015 (Publication Date) - Abbeville Press (Publisher)
Do you want to know what's happening with your partner emotionally and physically? This pregnancy book is for you. It can be hard to feel helpless because you don't know what to do while your partner struggles.
Armin Brott gives you a month-by-month overview of what's happening with your partner and the tools you need to be there for her. So you'll be fully equipped to be a proper birth partner when the time comes. In addition, you'll get to learn what's going on with your baby and get information about how to be a great father.
5. The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People
- Reid, Jordan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 176 Pages - 04/25/2017 (Publication Date) - TarcherPerigee (Publisher)
For those of you who don't like sentimentality, this is the pregnancy book for you. If you're looking to entertain yourself during this time but still want to learn something along the way, this is the pregnancy book you need.
You can get to kill time with some cool activities such as quizzes, fill-in-the-blanks, mazes, pictures to color, and so much more.
6. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
This pregnancy book captures the heart of stay-at-home moms, working mothers, single moms, mothers, or moms to be of all walks of life. In the pages of these books, you'll be able to get the information you need when it comes to nursing positions, expressing and storing breast milk, feeding cues, preparing for breastfeeding, and so much more.
The photos and illustrations will make you able to digest the information more easily. This pregnancy book will give you data and the confidence you need to go into the next chapter of your life with confidence.
Other pregnancy-related issues such as postpartum depression, breast health issues, food allergies, colic, and weight gain are also covered in these best pregnancy books.
7. The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Howland, Genevieve (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 528 Pages - 04/25/2017 (Publication Date) - Gallery Books (Publisher)
As a mom-to-be, there are many questions you may have concerning your pregnancy journey. This book covers just what you need by offering expert advice on matters including:
- Pregnancy diet
- Natural remedies for your symptoms
- Having a toxin-free beauty and cleaning routine
- Epidurals
- Natural pain relief during labor
- Whether to eat your placenta
- How to create your birth team
- What to do during labor
- Tips when navigating newborns
By the time you're done with this pregnancy book, most of your emotional insecurities will be long gone, and you'll be well on your way to becoming great new parents.
8. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
- Wick M.D. Ph.D., Dr. Myra J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 520 Pages - 09/18/2018 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)
Mayo Clinic has been a great place for moms to access information and in-depth advice as they prepare for the baby's arrival. This pregnancy book will guide you through your first, second, and third trimesters. You will have an easy time digesting the facts outlined in this book, even as a new mom.
The voice of these pregnancy books is calming and authoritative as you go from chapter to chapter with a legitimate interest. You also get a 40-week pregnancy calendar and a guide to help you deal with your symptoms. This is a great baby book for you.
The author, Myra Wick, M.D., Ph.D., is a specialist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Mayo Clinic. Therefore, you can be sure that she knows what she's talking about. You're in safe hands as a new mom or even as you are expecting your second baby. After all, there's always more to learn.
9. The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy
Imagine your favorite girlfriend writing for you a book detailing all you need to know to ace your pregnancy? This is what four-time delivery room veteran Vicki Iovine does in this book. Speaking in the voice of your girlfriend, she gives you the truth and truths of what to expect.
In the pages of these pregnancy books, you'll be able to get the real deal on all the things that most people shy away from speaking about. This is a true gem for first-time moms who are ready to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Be prepared to get practical advice in this pregnancy book, along with in-depth secrets of what to expect when you're expecting. In addition, you'll get to process personal data when it comes to your mood swings, staying stylish, and more.
10. Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood and Trusting Yourself and Your Body
- Chidi, Erica (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 448 Pages - 10/24/2017 (Publication Date) - Chronicle Books (Publisher)
Parents-to-be will love this pregnancy book that gives moms-to-be and dads the information they need to handle pregnancy and birthing. Author Erica Chidi Cohen has years of experience in assisting partners process data on birthing and everything pregnancy-related. She has assisted numerous births and helped many families as a doula.
Whether you want a natural birth/vaginal birth or a cesarean section, this pregnancy book will help you get the knowledge you need. Expecting parents before you have benefited greatly from these pregnancy books. Developing baby confidence can be a challenge for both you and your partner, and these best pregnancy books are here to make it easier.
You will enjoy the trimester-specific holistic remedies, great food recipes, expert tips, and self-care and mindful exercises outlined in this book as a mom-to-be.
11. 50 Things to Do Before You Deliver
- Krause, Jill (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 260 Pages - 04/03/2018 (Publication Date) - Rockridge Press (Publisher)
The author of this fascinating pregnancy book, Jill Krause, is a mother of four with great experience about being a mom. Your growing baby is in safe hands, thanks to the knowledge you'll get from this book.
If you want the audiobook, you can get the Audible Audiobook from Amazon. First, ensure that you actively scan device characteristics to confirm that your phone or tablet is compatible. Then, get ready to get supportive tips and contributions from midwives, OB-GYNs, other moms, and more.
The author of this genius pregnancy book has narrowed the proactive steps to the most important 50. So you'll no longer get worried as you see your baby bump continue to expand. Whether you want a simple home birth or supervised hospital birth, you'll have more confidence as you bring your baby into the world.
12. When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads 4th Edition: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy
- Luke, Barbara (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 640 Pages - 02/07/2017 (Publication Date) - William Morrow Paperbacks (Publisher)
When you're expecting more than one baby, the anxieties and doubts are doubled or tripled. Luckily, Barbara Luke, Tamara Eberlein, and Roger Newman have got you covered with these best pregnancy books. The people who said it takes a village to raise a child should have said that it takes a city to raise twins, triplets, or quads.
Lucky for you, these three authors are all the city you need. This information-packed pregnancy book will give you dietary recommendations, guidelines on safe exercise, how to find a qualified specialist, what to expect as you deliver and after, getting back into shape after delivery, and what you need to do to reduce complications.
13. What to Do When You're Having Two: The Twins Survival Guide from Pregnancy Through the First Year
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Diaz, Natalie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages - 12/03/2013 (Publication Date) - Penguin Publishing Group (Publisher)
These best pregnancy books give all the best advice and practical tips when you're expecting twins. This book details all you need to know on your journey when expecting twins. You'll learn how to create a twin birth plan, maintain a decent sleep schedule, manage tandem breastfeeding, stock up on all you need, create a bond between your babies, and so much more.
Immediately you find out that you're expecting twins, crab a copy of this pregnancy book.
14. Bumpin': The Modern Guide to Pregnancy: Navigating the Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Journey From Conception Through Birth and Beyond
- Schrock, Leslie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 12/17/2019 (Publication Date) - Simon Element (Publisher)
You will gain a lot of helpful information from this pregnancy book. After a few pages, you'll be able to understand your feelings and what is happening in your body. Leslie Schrock has years of experience under her belt when it comes to women's healthcare.
You will find a lot about what is happening to your body from conception up to when you're holding your baby in your arms. This pregnancy book is based on some of the latest cutting-edge research ever devoted to a safe pregnancy journey.
Another great thing about this book is that the author covers the postpartum period that is often neglected. You'll learn how to take care of your baby while at home and recovering. This pregnancy book also covers all five trimesters.
15. Pregnancy Day By Day
- Hardcover Book
- DK Publishing (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 496 Pages - 12/23/2013 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
Our final pick is this beautiful book by Gail Harland that gives you detailed advice on each stage of your journey. You'll also get knowledge on what to do during those first two weeks after delivery. Whether your mother-in-law will be around to help you or not, this book will have you covered.
In these pages, you'll learn about nutrition, pain relief, exercise, medical issues, and much more. If you want to know what your little visitor is up to and how your body handles the changes, this book will show you that.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it okay to have an orgasm during pregnancy?
Yes. You will not harm your baby when you have intercourse or orgasm while pregnant. Your little visitor is protected by the amniotic fluid and is safe in your uterus.
However, speak with your doctor first to rule out any medical problems.
2. Which is the hardest trimester of pregnancy?
The first trimester has been stated by many to be the hardest, thanks to extreme fatigue, hormones, vomiting, tender breasts, and more.
Your body is still adjusting to accommodate the new visitor, which may take some getting used to.
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