[Kelly1216]

Maybe this has been a thread before, but I'm new here, and don't feel like looking back forever. Anywho, does anybody have any good suggestions on what pregnancy book would be good to get. This is my first, and I'm a little nervous and stuff. I've heard good and bad things about "What to Expect..." and wanted to know if there was anything better or if that was good or what.

 

[EnviroBecca]

I have The Pregnancy Book by Dr. and Martha Sears. I've read the whole thing now and am pleased with its style and level of detail. It manages to explain that you may not feel so great while still conveying an overall positive attitude, and it's very encouraging about natural approaches.

I don't like What To Expect because it's got such a worrywart tone (I worry enough already, thanks!) and a negative attitude toward some AP practices.

Aside from general "pregnancy manual" type books, I've enjoyed A Child Is Born by Lennart Nilsson, which has amazing photos of embryonic and fetal development, and Active Birth by Janet Balaskas, which is all about how to have a pleasant natural birth and includes lots of prenatal yoga exercises.

 

[georgia]

I'd suggest Having a Baby, Naturally by Peggy O'Mara, the publisher of Mothering Magazine

It's helpful b/c it reminds mamas and mamas-to-be that pregnancy and birth are not an illness to be medicated and managed. You have choices outside of the typical medical model of (s)care. Congrats and all the best on your journey!

 

[shalena]

We bought The Pregnancy Bible. Its a great book, full color images, easy to read, and tons of information. Its the only book I'll need.

 

[OakEmber]

I'd second Georgia, definately get...Having a Baby...Naturally. It's a great book, I wish it'd been out a few years sooner

And I agree with the others about skipping "What to expect" I honestly don't even think I will donate mine to anyone that's how I feel about it! And I'd also recommend The Pregnancy book by Sears that EnviroBecca suggested.
The other book that I did enjoy was "Your Pregnancy Week by Week", something about reading each week that makes the weeks seem to fly by.

 

[kaismom]

I liked pregnancy for dummies it was pretty no nonsence.

 

[mum5]

Just found out that we are pg with number 2!!!!!

So I decided to pick up " Ina May's Guide to Childbirth at the library It is by Ina May Gaskin, and so far it is great. I ahve only read the first 30 pages, but I should think for a first time mother it is pretty informative and interesting. I am currently reading the birth stories, so am getting lots of ideas about how to do it the second time around.
Hope you enjoy the book, and congratulations!