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8 best pregnancy books to read before your baby arrives
Pregnancy is a remarkable journey all on its own. Explore books that will help you navigate pregnancy and prepare for your precious newborn's arrival.
Pregnancy can be an incredible journey filled with excitement, anticipation and wonderbut it can also be an incredibly confusing and uncomfortable time. No matter where you are in your journey, it can be helpful to know that there is a wealth of knowledge and guidance available to support you along the way.
Among the vast array of resources, books on pregnancy offer a treasure trove of information, advice and personal stories to help you navigate this transformative time. What would we ever do without the wisdom of baby gurus?
In our curated selection, we present the eight best pregnancy books that have garnered acclaim for their reassuring wisdom, expert guidance and comprehensive insights. Whether you’re a first-time parent or are already experienced in the joys of motherhood, these pregnancy books will provide you with valuable information. From understanding the stages of pregnancy to coping with challenges and preparing for childbirth, let these books serve as your trusted allies.
Let’s delve into the pages of these remarkable books about pregnancy and embark on a journey of knowledge, empowerment and boundless love.
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Explore the best books for pregnancy
Best evidenced-based book on pregnancy
Expecting Better: Why Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong
Best pregnancy book for new dads and birth partners
We're Pregnant! The First Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook
Best overall pregnancy book
Pros & Cons
Cult-favorite baby book with decades-long presence
Written in a casual and relatable tone
Covers everything you need to know about pregnancy
Abundance of information may feel overwhelming to first-time parents
Tends to follow a more traditional approach to pregnancy and childbirth
Our editors have championed this book as one of the top books on pregnancy. There’s a reason for this - it’s judgment and jargon-free. Authors Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel have packed this book with real talk, practical advice and a ton of tips and tricks.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting covers everything from prenatal care, nutrition tips, roller-coaster emotions and even an insight to what your partner may feel during this journey. And trust us, they’ve got your back when it comes to those awkward and sometimes embarrassing questions that you might not want to ask out loud. As we said, they are here to keep it real and relatable.
Oh, and the best part? What to Expect When You’re Expecting has been a go-to, complete guide for countless parents worldwide for generations. So, if you’re ready to laugh, learn and embrace the ride, this book is your golden ticket.
Best for first-time moms
Pros & Cons
Inclusive read that provides helpful advice for various parenting situations
Caters to the contemporary parent
Casual tone makes it easy to connect with
Lacks in-depth information
May not be suitable for readers who enjoy a formal tone
We highly recommend this read if you’re a first-time mom. It’s modern, no-nonsense style goes beyond the bump and delves into the reality of life as a parent-to-be. It’s a very inclusive and non-judgmental read that speaks to you in a fun and casual way.
Author Leslie Schrock used her personal journey as inspiration for this book. Along the way, she consulted a network of experts and childbirth educators to give readers a practical guide to help navigate pregnancy, emotionally and physically. It’s written to help you make informed decisions.
There is no question that this is the best pregnancy book for first-time moms. When you have questions about how to create a birth plan or whether you should consider home birth, give this book a try. It's a reliable and science-backed read that’s sure to come in handy.
Best evidenced-based book on pregnancy
Pros & Cons
Challenges traditional approaches compared to other pregnancy books
Reliable and data-driven supported claims cited in the book
Empowers pregnant people to make choices that align with their preferences
May be controversial for some readers
Limited focus on non-medical aspects of pregnancy
This book recommendation is fit for parents who are interested in alternative ways of experiencing pregnancy. Author Emily Oster recognizes that pregnancy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process and challenges tradition by providing information backed by data and research.
Oster effectively translates complex medical jargon into easy and accessible language. It’s a book that leaves no stone unturned. Designed to paint the full picture, it explores topics that other experts stay away from such as prenatal testing and occasional alcohol consumption while pregnant.
Debunking myths and challenging common pregnancy scare tactics is what Oster does best in this read. Check this pregnancy book out for an alternative and scientifically-supported perspective on the do’s and don’ts of your process.
Best pregnancy book for new dads and birth partners
Pros & Cons
Tailored for dads during the pregnancy experience
Offers practical advice and step-by-step guides
Humorous and engaging read
Solely focuses on first-time dads
Gender specific approach not inclusive of non-binary or LGBTQ+ parents
When there’s a baby on the way, you'll need more than practicing dad jokes to prepare for fatherhood. Being a birth partner is a full-time role and this book is designed specifically for fathers who want it straightforward and simple. It’s packed with all the tips and tricks any parent would need to support their partner and newborn during a transitional time.
This book doesn’t just offer good laughs, it’s also packed with practical advice. You may want to pick this up to learn how to best respond to cravings, midnight snack runs and how to take it one step at a time. While there are other pregnancy books for dads on the market, this one steals the show.
Best for journaling
Pros & Cons
Features prompts and spaces for personalization
Includes sections for partners to allow for a joint journey
Aesthetic-friendly design features illustrations and quotes
Lacks space for extensive entries
Journal format may not be suitable for all parents
Picture this: a chic and adorable journal just waiting to be filled with all your baby bump adventures. From the first flutter kicks to the heartwarming baby shower surprises - this journal has room for it all. The Pearhead My Pregnancy Journal is jam-packed with prompts, questions and spaces to record your thoughts and feelings during the experience.
And guess what? This isn’t just a solo mission. You can easily get your partner in on the fun too. The journal includes dedicated space for your partner’s thoughts and sweet messages. It’s a keepsake that you’ll both cherish for a lifetime.
It’s better than most pregnancy books we’ve seen out there. And if you’re a stickler for marking those incredible milestones, this book is calling your name.
For a humorous read
Pros & Cons
Offers a relatable and empowering perspective
Covers everything from physical changes to emotional challenges
Embraces diversity of experiences and family structures
Limited medical information
Casual tone and humor may not resonate with all readers
If you love a good laugh, this is the best book about pregnancy for you. Imagine having a squad of seasoned moms sharing all their juicy secrets, tips and hilarious stories - this book is just that. It’s like having a bunch of wise and witty girlfriends cheering you on throughout your pregnancy journey.
It’s an unfiltered kind of read that has your back. When you're expecting, you may encounter well-meaning people who dish out unsolicited advice. This book features a wide range of pregnancy-related experiences, including pregnancy loss and childbirth. It helps you navigate those situations and will answer questions you didn’t even know you have.
If you’re looking for the best book on pregnancy for confidence, support and a whole lot of laughter, this is the one for you.
Best nutrition and wellness guide
Pros & Cons
Offers a holistic and natural perspective on childbirth
Features a week-by-week format for each stage of pregnancy
Allows expectant mothers to track their progress and baby’s development
Holistic practices may not be attractive approach for all readers
May not be suitable for pregnant people with certain medical conditions
Are you interested in a holistic and natural approach to pregnancy? If so, this is the best book to read when pregnant. It acts as a roadmap that helps you embrace your body’s amazing journey while nurturing your mind, body and soul. Each week, you’ll dive into personalized insights and tips that align with your natural pregnancy path.
It also offers insights on childbirth. You’ll learn about different birthing options, natural remedies and creating a birth plan that’s uniquely yours. Our favorite part? It features testimonials from real moms, relatable experiences and heartfelt encouragement.
Best childbirth guide
Pros & Cons
Aims to instill confidence in expectant mothers
Includes a collection of real-life birth stories and experiences
Offers alternatives to a medicalized birth processes
May not suit all birth preferences
May not appeal to people interested in a medical-focused of childbirth
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth isn’t just a manual - it’s a love letter to childbirth. Ina May Gaskin, the birth guru herself, spills the tea to help you navigate your birth journey like a goddess. This book is all about restoring your confidence and faith in your body’s incredible abilities.
From inspiring birth stories to practical tips that’ll leave you in awe, this guide covers it all. You’ll be armed with knowledge, courage and a fierce determination to birth on your terms. When it comes to a must-have book, this recommendation is the best book for reading during pregnancy. With its age-old wisdom and empowering insights, it's a valuable addition to your collection.
Which pregnancy books get our vote?
If you’re expecting and on the hunt for the best pregnancy books to guide you through this incredible journey, look no further. We’ve done the research for you to help you find the best pregnancy books that offer valuable insights, support and knowledge. Here are our favorites on the list:
What to Expect When You're Expecting: It’s no surprise that this book is a staple for expectant parents. With its comprehensive and reassuring approach, it covers all aspects of pregnancy, making it an essential resource for anyone embarking on this adventure.
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong: For those who crave a deeper dive into the science behind pregnancy, this book challenges conventional wisdom with data-backed insights. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to make well-informed decisions during their pregnancy journey.
Finding the best pregnancy books can be a game-changer for a transformative time. Whether you opt for the classic advice of What to Expect When You’re Expecting or the data-driven approach of Expecting Better, these books are here to support you in making informed choices and embracing every moment of your pregnancy journey.
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Prices updated on 09/13/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Jada Bowman
Jada Bowman is an Atlanta-based freelance writer. Through her work, Jada aims to make the lives of her readers better by guiding them toward the most exceptional products and lifestyle choices.
Specialized topics
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