Now with over 9.9 million copies in print, What to Expect When You're Expecting is AmericaIs pregnancy bible. Featuring an easy-to-follow month-by-month format, this indispensable book reassuringly leads readers through a wealth of information. Here is what parents-to-be need to know about choosing a caregiver, prenatal diagnosis, exercise, childbirth options, second pregnancies, twins, making love during pregnancy, having a cesarean, and coping with common and not-so-common pregnancy symptoms. Also included are step-by-step guides through labor and delivery, postpartum care, and breastfeeding, a full section just for fathers-to-be, and a 24-page "Pregnancy Notes" insert for keeping detailed records of prenatal test results, weight gain, doctorIs visits, observations, and more. Updated with each printing, What to Expect When You're Expecting incorporates the most recent developments in medical science and responds to the many letters and queries received from readers. Selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club, the Better Homes & Gardens Family Book Service, and ABA Basic Booklist. Winner of the ParentIs Choice FoundationIs 1991 Parenting Shelf Award.
This traditional, popular guide to pregnancy covers every possible aspect of the prenatal period: pregnancy tests; choosing a caregiver; month-by-month fetal development; eating correctly; sex during pregnancy; common illness symptoms; and childbirth options, including cesarean section and pain medications. The authors also provide a healthful approach to prenatal nutrition, though some women may find it hard to consistently meet their high standards. They use a reassuring and informative tone to describe and answer common concerns and not-so-common problems, and the month-by-month format is particularly clear and helpful. While What to Expect When You're Expecting is an excellent overall guide, parents-to-be interested in a less physician-centered approach are advised to use it in conjunction with other pregnancy resources, such as The Pregnancy Book by William and Martha Sears. --Ericka Lutz
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.0 / 5.0
Great for all moms, not just first time moms.:
I love this book. It walked me through every stage of my pregnancy and made me feel comfortable asking my doctor questions about things that I had read and about all of the tests and warnings to look out for. I probably would not have known to avoid sushi and yogurt, or anything unpasteurized, such as some organic foods if I had not had this book to guide me. I have kept it as a keepsake and will use it for all of my future pregnancies and I highly recommend it to everyone. Even dads should read it, just so... more info
can i give it zero stars?:
Amazon won't allow zero stars it turns out, but that is what this book deserves.
When your midwife tells you to throw the book out, then you know it's a bad book. I won't even give it away. This and its companion of what to eat when expecting need to be gotten rid of. This book is a large volume of anxiety and unless you want to be freaked out during your pregnancy, avoid it like the plague. I have no idea how it gets re-published, why it is even in print to begin with. The woman is no authority but... more info
alarmist, fussy, inaccurate, pedantic:
I was very excited when I first found out I was expecting. Then I read this book. I started to become very anxious, because pregnancy was treated as a disease and not a natural life function. The book's focus, tone, and approach is negative and much of the information is undocumented and incorrect. By the time I got to the absolutely ridiculous best bets diet (which would most certainly be extremely unhealthy eating, if followed) I knew this book would undermine my confidence and joy in being pregnant. Like... more info
A young mother's review:
I was not thrilled when I found out I was pregnant at 21 but I was determined to make the best of it. I was terrified and knew nothing about what I should or shouldn't do while I was pregnant. The night I found out I was pregnant I bought this book and read it cover to cover over the next few days. For someone who knows NOTHING about pregnancy this was an excellent book and I clung to it daily to make sure I knew what to expect next. It really helped answer a lot of my questions and made me a little more... more info
