Pregnancy Prep Books

My husband and I would like to start trying to conceive this summer.  I'm wondering if anyone could recommend some good books about preparing for pregnancy and books about pregnancy once we do (fingers crossed) conceive.

Thank you!

It's been a few years, so I'm sure it's been updated with newer info, but I used "What to Expect When You're Expecting" like a Bible.  Keep in mind that it also covers some worst case scenarios, so be careful if you get nervous easily.

Same thing with "What to Expect the First Year" - great book, great info and references, but I was convinced my first little one had symptoms of everything until I noticed the patronizing tone the pediatrician's office nurse was using every time I called.  There is a fine line between diligence and being over-nervous, but you do learn over time.

Good luck!

I LOVED the book "Straight from the Hips" by rebecca odes and ceriden morris.  it's a open minded, totally honest guide to pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent.   Very colorful and FUN  Has lots of "Bubbles" of women's acutal experience, feedback, thoughts and emotions.  I got it when I was 6 weeks preggo and looked at it all through.  I'm actually looking at it right now!!

edit to add:  GOOD LUCK!!!

I also liked What to Expect When You're Expecting and What to Expect the First Year.

My all time favorite pregnancy book is The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine. It's not really a book about the facts of pregnancy but more the things doctors and other pregnant women don't talk about (ie: pooping while pushing during delivery). It is hilarious and very refreshing to read when facts and "don't do this" lists are being thrown at you. If I remember correctly, she posed for Playboy and is now on the board for the Special Olympics (or was when I read it). She had four kids in six years so she knows her stuff!

I have read a ton of parenting books so when you need recommendations in that department, let me know ;)

Best of luck!

What to Expect When You're Expecting is the reference book to have for pregnancy. But just to enjoy the process, Belly Laughs by Jenny MacCarthy is the best! Wait until you get pregnant to read it though and you'll be able to relate to some of it and laugh at the crazy things that are going on with your body. I didn't really like The Girfriend's Guide to Pregnancy. I just didn't like the way she talked about her husband. He didn't seem very suportive or helpful and it seemed like she expected everyone's husband to be that way. And mine wasn't. But maybe I was just lucky.

We are currently trying for our second one. Our first one was a welcome surprise and now that we're trying it's taken five months so far. Just proof those babies just come when they want to, can't be planned. Not for us anyway. 

So good luck to you! I hope it happens right when you want it to. But if it doesn't, don't be discouraged. Trying is the fun part anyway, right?

 I also like What to Expect.... and I absolutely HATED The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy.  I hated the tone and I echo what the above poster said about how the author described her husband.  Also some of the things that she says happen in the delivery room and after, like how the nurses will give your baby glucose water and a pacifier so just deal with that - where I am delivering they specifically say that they never do that unless you're absolutely okay with it.  I don't know, it just kind of rubbed me the wrong way.  There's just so much information out there that after about three months, I just gave up on trying to learn more and just focused on how I was feeling.

Thank you all so much for all your information! 

I second Vanessa--straight from the hips was awesome.  I also enjoyed the "week by week" pregnancy book (can't remember the title, but I'm sure you could find it on amazon through a search).  It was fun to just have something to read weekly instead of monthly.  Finally, one of my very favorites (because I'm a birth center/natural birth advocate) was the Whole Pregnancy Handbook, as well as the book put out by the author of Mothering Magazine, Peggy something.  I'm lame, I'm sorry, I can't remember the title of these books now that Malcolm is one.  Time flies, so does the memory...Good luck!!!

In all honesty, I don't remember The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy.I just remember how much I loved the book when I read it a long time ago. I even loaned it to a friend. I was unmarried at the time which is probably why the author's comments regarding her husband didn't bother me. I didn't read the book for advice but for entertainment. I'm surprised that I enjoyed a book that others dislike so much! I'm somewhat cynical and enjoy that type of humor. Maybe I should reread it now and see if my views have changed...

I liked the Girlfriend's Guide, although I did have to make a point of taking what she was saying with a grain of salt, and some of the information is out of date...The book was written in 1995 and although it's been updated, it's been a while since she's done the pregnancy thing herself and times have changed. I did not find it that funny, but I was 3-4 months pregnant and had zero sense of humor at the time.

Your Pregnancy Week-by-week was invaluable to me and I'd usually read a couple weeks ahead so I'd know what to expect.

By far the best thing for me though was signing up for BabyGaga's and babycenter's pregnancy mailing lists, although obviously that's for after you get pregnant.

I went with some not so main stream pregnacy books that are worth a read and one great documetary if you want to watch called The business of being born.  Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin was my referal book and the thinking womans guide.

What To Expect When Expecting is a classic.  I still look at the one given to me more than ten years ago.  I would go with that one.

However, whatever book you choose, I suggest just keeping one around!  That book plus your doctor should be enough information to help guide you through your pregnancy.  Reading every concievable book, magazine, article, etc. can result in paranoia.  Remeber that women have been pregnant for thousands of years without all this "advice" from media outlets.  Trust your friends & family who've been pregnant & the doctor.  You'll be fine

P.S.  This pice of advice applies to after the baby is born too!  Trust your maternal instincts!