[Kristens_12]

Are there any pregnancy books that anyone found really helpful? I went to Barnes and Noble today and was kind of overwhelmed with how many there were...I just want to make sure I get a good one that helps me through the next 9 months, so I am open to any suggestions. Thanks so much!

[jana]

Depends on what ou are looking for. They have an revised version of the what to expect when you're expecting. It seems to have alot in it diet, symptoms, midwives, what to do and what not to do, etc.

[DANIgrl]

Originally Posted by jana

Depends on what ou are looking for. They have an revised version of the what to expect when you're expecting. It seems to have alot in it diet, symptoms, midwives, what to do and what not to do, etc.

That's the one I got and it does have a lot of info but I'm glad you posted this question. I have been wondering what everyone else has found out there.

[eggy]

I was told to stay away from What to Expect When You're Expecting (as too much information can incite panic, according to some of my friends), but I received a copy as a gift anyway. I use it as a reference, but have opted not to read it cover to cover. I definitively appreciate certain aspects of it, while choosing to ignore others.

The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy came highly recommended -- it's a cute, light read. It's enjoyable and not fear-inducing, which is good.

My favorite pregnancy book is The Pregnancy Journal (written by A. Christine Harris and published by Chronicle Books; I believe my friend purchased it at Babys R Us). It basically gives you the day-by-day of how your baby is growing and how your body is changing, which makes it fun, informative, and interesting. And, obviously, there's room to take notes on your experiences.

I'd also recommend getting a copy of Baby Bargains. We are about to start shopping for the nursery and this is a terrific resource.

Congratulations on your positive beta and happy reading!

[tracilynn]

I have "The pregnancy bible" it's pretty good and "the girlfriends' guide" is a must read but my favorite book and main one I read so far is "your pregnancy week by week". I was also told to stay away from the "what to expect " book.

[Persephone1881]

I wasn't very impressed with either The Girlfriend's Guide or What to Expect. Fortunately, they were given to me so I didn't waste any money on them. I researched books on Amazon and then went and looked at them in the store and decided on The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. It's broken down into monthly sections that are then broken down week-by-week. At the end of each month are sections about the different changes you're likely going though, both physically and emotionally. There are later sections on how to deal with any chronic conditions you might have had before pregnancy (like diabetes or high blood pressure, etc), how to deal with various complaints and sicknesses while you're pregnant, and various other information all nicely divided so that you're not overwhelmed with information.

And while it's not exactly a pregnancy book, I also HIGHLY recommend the Baby Bargains book. It's totally worth it if for no other reason than the reviews on the different crib manufacturers.

[sarahelaine57]

I LOOOOOVE the Pregnancy Week by Week, and was given a copy to borrow and actually plan on going out and buying it for myself at one point because they have a new addition, even though I am more than half way through this pregnancy. I liked the what to expect book but didnt like how it was chunked into months and lumped everything together, but it was helpful in some cases. I also go to the babycenter.com site because you get weekly emails about what is happening with your baby and your own body, and it shows a picture of what your baby looks like. I liked it so much I bought the book that goes with it but was slightly dissapointed because it is almost exactly what is on the site, so dont waste your money on that one. I also think the baby bargains book is a fantastic must have book! I literally carried it around with me when we were registering, it was super helpful! Congrats on your BFP and happy reading!

[parker john]

my favorite is your pregnancy week by week

girlfriend's guide to pregnancy is very funny!

[Kristens_12]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations! That is so helpful!

[MrsWog]

Well, my personal favorite so far has been "Pregnancy Sucks: When your miracle makes you miserable"! It's very comforting to read about each month and realize all the crazy, strange things that are happening are "normal" and happen to other women. I read a chapter a month, so it's still a treat throughout the whole pregnancy. Very funny!!! (Not exactly a "practical" answer manual, though!)

p.s. There's also a "Pregnancy Sucks" for men, too!

[sarahelaine57]

Oh and the Jenny McCarthy book is hilarious, and actually while it is based on her experience there are some pretty common pregnancy issues that when she talks about them make you feel so much better and NORMAL! I reccomend that book just for the laughs!

[infertilitynovice]

I bought the "Pregnancy Sucks!: For Men" for my DH and it is hilarious!!!! It isn't just funny, it is very insightful as well. Great tips for them to help us. I would imagine that the regular version for moms is just as wonderful. Some of this pregnancy stuff can be kind of gross and embarrassing. It is nice to have a guide that takes a humorous, but informative, approach.

[fossie]

I enjoyed the Belly Laughs book by Jenny McCarthy and I also like the Panic Free Pregnancy because I am a bit of a freak when it comes to all things pregnancy!!! I actually do use the What to Expect book a lot, especially for reference and didn't find that it was scary at all. I have about 10 books, a lot of them multiples specific, and the only one that I continually refer to us the What to Expect Book. My dh got All About Pregnancy for the Expecting Father and it seems pretty good to and explains to him the different stages and why I am acting or feeling a certain way.