Five Great Books That Really Prepare You For Pregnancy

Looking for the best pre-pregnancy books to read? Check out our picks for amazing books that help you prepare for expecting.

The sheer amount of books out there for expectant mothers is staggering.  To help you wade through all of the literature, here is a list of five of the best pre-pregnancy books to read when you are thinking of having a baby or if you’re already pregnant.  These books provide a wealth of information for expectant mothers and fathers: from the weekly changes of the fetus itself; to the physical changes that moms-to-be go through; to the emotional and financial effects that having a baby can bring.

Related: 5 of the Best Pregnancy Journals

Best Pre-Pregnancy Books to Read

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Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy: From Doctors Who Are Parents, Too!” by the pregnancy experts at the Mayo Clinic

If you’re looking for up-to-date and accurate information on your pregnancy, look no further than this acclaimed book by the Mayo Clinic.  This book was my pregnancy bible four years ago, my go-to when I was pregnant with my son.  The amount of detail in the book makes it clear that it was written by health professionals, and is full of facts about your pregnancy; while the text makes it easy for the average Jane (and Joe!)  to read with ease.   A must for any expectant parents’ book collection!  Get it from Amazon.

Belly Laughs:The Naked Truth About Pregnancy And Childbirth” by Jenny McCarthy

This is one of the best pre-pregnancy books to read if you need a laugh. Every mom-to-be needs a funny and honest book about what to expect during pregnancy.  Luckily, McCarthy’s book fits the bill perfectly.  Some of the things that happen to our bodies can be very strange, very confusing and downright frightening when we’re pregnant.  McCarthy helps put you at ease in realizing that although not all women talk about that kind of thing: not only do we all experience it, but it’s also completely normal.  A must read for first-time moms!  Available on Amazon.

Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth” by Ina May Gaskin

A great book by renowned midwife, Ina May Gaskin.  For expectant mothers seeking out as much information as possible on the benefits of natural childbirth, this book is a must read.  The book also contains an entire section on birthing stories, which shed light on how many different ways our bodies may go into labor – there is no right way to give birth.  An informative book that will amaze you by helping to take some of the fear out of natural childbirth.  Buy it here.

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide For Dads To-Be” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash

Most pregnancy books focus on the mom-to-be, so it is truly refreshing to read a book which focuses on what a father can expect as well.  Chock full of information regarding the baby’s weekly growth, this book also includes details about  the financial and emotional implications of having a baby.  Full of funny New Yorker cartoons and Brott’s tongue-in-cheek writing style, this is an absolute must-read for expectant fathers!  Find it here.

The Pregnancy Countdown Book: Nine Months of Practical Tips, Useful Advice and Uncensored Truths” by Susan Magee and Nara Kakisbendi M.D

This great book literally counts down every single day of your pregnancy, giving expectant mothers a descriptive guide of what to expect during their nine months.  Each day is full of medical information, as well as tips from mothers, and relevant anecdotes and quotes.  The book emphasizes that although pregnancy is wonderful and exciting, it also very hard work on moms-to-be.  A must-read for expectant mothers!  Available on Amazon.

As an expectant mom, it’s important to read pregnancy books that address the specific questions and concerns that each of us has. You really can’t go wrong with any of the above best pre-pregnancy books, as they each contain a wealth of information about what to expect when you’re pregnant.  I am positive that you will find at least one of these books helpful on your journey into motherhood!

 

3 thoughts on “Five Great Books That Really Prepare You For Pregnancy”

  1. The best book that I read during my 2nd pregnancy is “Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way”. I was so amazed at the details of the natural process of delivery, how our body and the baby work together to make it happen. It also helped me stay positive and focused on our ability to have a natural childbirth (women have done it a long time prior to epidurals, etc. being available). This book was one really big piece in helping me to train for the big marathon of childbirth (also yoga, watching Ina May Gaskin videos on YouTube, and practicing to consciously relax instead of tensing-up against contractions). (I learned that my best odds statistically for avoiding another c-section was a natural birth, and I did it! Friend and relatives couldn’t believe it because I’m super pain-averse, but I’m also stubborn once I’ve made up my mind about what’s best. Currently working on preparing for my 3rd natural VBAC.)

  2. I didn’t really read a book when I was pregnant with the twins. It would have been nice though, especially if it’s your first time as a parent!

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