Baby Shocked Seeing a Bookstore for the First Time

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Verywell / Chloe Jeong

Pregnancy is an exciting time, but can also be full of questions and worries. Changes to your body and surprising symptoms can come out of nowhere, and for first-time parents-to-be, it's an entirely new experience.

Getting prepared for the nine months ahead is key to mental and physical health. Reading a pregnancy book (or two!) can help you learn more about your body and the changes ahead.

Keep in mind that whichever book you choose should have science-backed, clinically proven information from reputable sources. And whether this is your first, second, or third time around, the best book is the best book for you—whether you'd like something conversational or more informational.

Here are the best pregnancy books to suit your lifestyle, needs, and situation.

Our Top Picks

A solid option for moms-to-be, it includes chapters on specific info such as symptoms and week-by-week developments.

With specific activities tailored to every stage of pregnancy, it's bursting with real-life information for moms who love lists.

The author examines data on nearly every decision pregnant women will need to make and encourages making an informed choice.

Full of weekly advice for every stage of pregnancy, this holistic-focused book includes nutrition tips and natural remedies.

Written for dads-to-be, this book offers men all the tools they need to support their partner and prepare for baby's arrival.

Written in a humorous style, the modern guide combines clinical research with practical advice from experts.

Focusing on the unique needs of lesbians, the helpful book covers info on fertility, sperm banks, conception, and legal rights.

Ideal if you're looking for a lighter read, this comedic pick is an uncensored tell-all guide to pregnancy.

Calm some nerves with this well-loved twin survival guide, which helps parents plan for the changes and challenges.

Written by an experienced gestational carrier, Susan MZ Fuller, the guide helps to demystify the process.

Pros

• Very comprehensive

• Includes information for dads

• Has an accompanying app

Cons

• Length may feel overwhelming

A classic book for good reason, this choice is a worthy option for moms-to-be that want one comprehensive book. Don't be intimidated by the 600+ page book—you don't need to read every single page.

The book includes chapters on specific info such as pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy lifestyle, info for dads, carrying multiples, and also week-by-week developmental information.

Pros

• Organized by trimester

• Offers activities to complete

• Quick read

Cons

• Not as in-depth as other options

Organized by trimester, this book will help women take things one step at a time. There's specific guidance and activities tailored to every stage of pregnancy. Inclusive and logical, this book is bursting with real-life information that can be very useful for moms who love lists and step-by-step guides.

Pros

• Calm tone

• Includes clinical research

• Quick read

Cons

• Some reported printing errors in physical copy

Written by an award-winning economist, this book debunks myths and explains pregnancy by evaluating data. The author presents and examines data on nearly every decision pregnant people will need to make, encouraging them to make their own informed choice.

Readers appreciate the calm and informative tone of this book.

What Our Editors Say

"If you only read one pregnancy book, this is my personal recommendation. The author's data-driven search for answers around the most common pregnancy dos and don'ts made me feel better about the decisions I was making about my body and my growing baby. She provides helpful clarity around confusing guidelines and explains why, for instance, we're told to avoid certain foods or drinks. During my first pregnancy I kept the book in my purse when I went out to eat because I bookmarked the page with a helpful diagram about which fish are best to eat and best to avoid." — Ashleigh Morley, Commerce Editorial Director

Pros

• Provides weekly advice

• Holistic-focused

• Includes helpful recipes

Cons

• Claims are not always based in science

Emphasizing that having a baby is a wondrous biological process and not a medical condition is the overall focus of this book. Full of weekly advice for every stage of pregnancy, this holistic-focused book also includes nutrition tips, natural remedies, birth stories, and expert advice.

Pros

• Organized by month

• Includes information about adoptions and having multiples

• Quick read

Cons

• Not as in-depth as other options

Get dad involved with his very own expectant father book. Written just for dads-to-be, this book will give expectant papas all the tools they need to support their partner, prepare for the new baby's arrival, and take care of themselves during the exciting nine months ahead.

Pros

• Lighthearted tone

• Includes clinical research and practical advice

• Organized by trimester

Cons

• Not as in-depth as other options

Parents-to-be will appreciate that this choice is written in a frank and funny style. The modern guide includes clinical research mixed with practical advice from a bevy of experts including ob-gyns, therapists, doulas, lactation experts, pelvic floor therapists, and more.

The combination results in a useful book that highlights trimester-by-trimester overviews, pregnancy symptoms and relief, important decisions to consider, registry tips, exercises, and so much more.

Pros

• Easy to read

• Inclusively written

• Very comprehensive

An easy-to-read guide, women will appreciate that this pick focuses on the unique needs of lesbians. Starting from pre-conception through newborn life, the helpful book includes information on fertility, sperm banks, conception, pregnancy, legal rights, and more. Inclusively written, there's relevant and specific content for both coupled and single women.

Pros

• Lighthearted tone

• Quick read

• Relatable

Cons

• Doesn't provide a lot of traditional information

If a light and funny guide will put you at ease, choose this book. Co-written by two girlfriends, this funny pick is an uncensored tell-all guide to pregnancy. A great gift, this choice will have most expectant people cracking up, although it's not as full of traditional information as some of the other options.

Pros

• Quick read

• Includes practical advice

• Lighthearted tone

Cons

• Not as in-depth as other options

Finding out that you are expecting twins can be a big shock. Calm some nerves with a well-loved twin survival guide. The comprehensive book includes information from pregnancy through the first year.

The twin-specific info will help parents plan for the unexpected and accept the changes (and challenges) that two babies will bring.

Pros

• Demystifies surrogacy process

• Quick read

• Has helpful "ask yourself" prompts

Cons

• Not as in-depth as other options

The path to parenthood is different for everyone. For intended parents on the path of surrogacy, this title is a guide that helps intended parents and gestational carriers create a rewarding relationship through their pregnancy journey together. Written by an experienced gestational carrier, Susan MZ Fuller, the guide helps to demystify the process.

Final Verdict

If you want just one book that will provide you with week-by-week information and useful tips, What to Expect When You're Expecting (view on Amazon) is a tried and true resource. For a second source, choose a lifestyle-specific guide or the 50 Things to Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Moms Pregnancy Guide (view on Amazon) that'll keep you busy and engaged for nine months.

What to Look for in a Pregnancy Book

Reputable Information

Make sure that the book you are relying on bases its information on science, medical research, and reputable sources. While the book doesn't need to be written by a doctor to be helpful, it is important to check out the author to make sure they are legit.

Tailored to Your Needs

Whether you are expecting twins, an LQBQT mom-to-be, a science-based reader, or a more lighthearted person, there's a pregnancy book out there to fit your style and preferences. Choose a book that suits you! You'll be more likely to read it and absorb the info if you connect with the content.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What books should I read when trying to conceive?

  When you're trying to conceive, books about fertility and conception are the way to go. If you think you may need help conceiving, it may be wise to read books on what to look for in a fertility clinic and fertility specialist. Whether you're trying to conceive with or without fertility assistance, books that contain specific questions you should ask your healthcare provider are the most helpful.

• What are the best books on pregnancy?

  The best pregnancy books are based on the latest medical guidelines and scientific research. They provide thorough information on all aspects of pregnancy, from conception through delivery and caring for a newborn. They should also be easy to read and written in an understandable way, as well as supplement and support your relationship with your healthcare provider.

• What books should I read during pregnancy?

  It's best to read up on the changes your body will be going through during different stages of your pregnancy, along with how your baby will develop in utero and in their first year. That way, you'll know what to expect and be able to track your baby's progress. This will enable you to better inform your healthcare provider about how you and your little one are doing and quickly address any issues that may arise.

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She's also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Maya prepped for her first pregnancy by reading a few different books, but nothing could have prepared her for reality. Her oldest was born in a taxi cab, in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, on the way to the hospital!

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Baby Shocked Seeing a Bookstore for the First Time

Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/best-pregnancy-books-4169475

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