Pregnancy books?

[Jorgan]

Okay, I have to tell someone, I'm pregnant! I took a pregnancy test this morning and there it was, a dark line staring at me!!! I have an appointment at the doctor's this afternoon to confirm. I haven't told my husband yet, I'm trying to think of a creative way to do it tonight!

That brings me to my question, I'd like to pick up a book at lunch today to start my research as far as what to expect, eat, etc. I know there are quite a few out there and was hoping I could get some of your thoughts on them. Thanks!

[Vanessa]

I would recommend What to Expect when You are Expecting. My sis in law read ir (has 3 kids) several friends had the book and it is very helpful. Congrats! This you can find on Barns and NOble or any bookstore. Enclose some of the info about the book.
This classic guide to pregnancy has accompanied countless moms-to-be through nine months of anticipation, worries, bathroom visits, prenatal tests, excitement, and overwhelming food cravings. Updated to reflect the most recent information about pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the latest nutritional guidance for expectant mothers, the book is a comprehensive and comforting source of advice for parents-to-be.
month-by-month pregnancy guide.
Introducing a completely Revised & Updated Third Edition of America's bestselling pregnancy book, What To Expect When You'Re Expecting. Two years in the making, it's a total revision and update.
Responding to the many queries and letters received from readers, What To Expect When You'Re Expecting, 3Rd Edition address health and medical questions as well as lifestyle concerns.
Incorporating the most recent developments in medicine, the book contains both the most accurate information available, and the most reader-friendly. What To Expect When You'Re Expecting provides expectant parents with a wealth of information on month-by-month development, making love during pregnancy, preparing for labor and delivery, and breastfeeding and bonding afterward.
The 3rd Edition also includes:
- More information on working while pregnant
- More in-depth coverage of complementary and alternative birthing
- An expanded chapter for fathers
- More information on how pregnancy affects your lifestyle
- Greater attention is paid to pre-conception, alternative families, second pregnancies, and HMO'S
- A completely new look at the Best-Odds diet, which is better suited to the needs of busier women with less time.

[lhall]

I also recommend What to expect when you're expecting.

I had a friend who got the Girlfriends guide to pregnancy, which she thought was a fun book.

Congratulations,
Leigh

[BosunsWife]

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

I second Vanessa's suggestion. It was very helpful with my first pregnancy. There is also another good one out there - can't remember the exact name, but the author is Dr. Miriam Stoppard. I believe at the time I got it, it was only in hardback but I think they are now publishing it in softcover.

I wasn't as happy with Dr. Stoppards book Complete Baby and Child Care - IMO it was much too gender oriented. We choose not to give DD dividing lines in what she can do and what she can't, having toys defined as "boy" or "girl", and that also goes in how we dress her - no frills LOL! Of course, DH's dad said we are raising a tomboy. Doesn't bother me, I was a tomboy and I turned out alright!

[Jorgan]

Thank you for all of your recommendations! I've heard about the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book for years, but wasn't sure if it still was considered a good one. I'm sure they keep updating it every few years with all of the new information. The Girlfriends book sounds pretty interesting as well!

[valchemist]

The Girlfriend's Guide... is wonderful!

I thought it was going to just be a humorous look at pregnancy, but it turned out to be chock full of great info!!

[MrsReber]

Definitely What to Expect When You're Expecting. I'm working on number 2 and it's still really helpful. Also, when the times comes, there is a What to Expect The First Year which has been full of great information about baby's first year. It might be helpful to buy a book for Dad as well!

Congratulations and good luck!!

Susan

[SusanD]

"What to Expect" is definitely helpful and informative about what's going on w/your body, etc., but my advice would be to take it with a grain of salt. I found that both books ("Expecting" and "First Year") were real good at making you feel guilty - i.e., if you don't follow their "Best Odds Diet" to the T, your child will turn out to have 3 heads.

A book that I highly recommend when it comes time to start buying stuff is "Baby Bargains" - it's very realistic about what you need and what you don't, and how to shop so that you find the best deals without compromising quality.

Congratulations to you...you're going to love being a parent! :)

[MrsReber]

Hmm, I never read the Best Odds diet section! I'm hungry all the time! I really skipped over that on purpose since I knew I'd never stick to it :rolleyes:.

Anyway, I mostly use the book as a reference. For example, I would get some weird symptom that I would think had nothing to do with prengnancy (excess saliva - fun!- or really dry skin on my hands) and I'd look it up. Or I'd be curious about how big the baby was at different intervals and it'd be there. I didn't use it so much as a guide and I never really sat down and read it. It did ease my worries about a few things and probably saved me some frantic calls to the doctor. So like SusanD noted, it is very helpful as to what is going on with your body.

My sister gave me another book, too, called While Waiting. I enjoyed reading the information in it and it does have great exercises to try, but again, I avoided the nutrition information. I was never one to stick to a diet anyway!

[Jorgan]

So I bought 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' and the 'Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy' last night. I learned quite a bit already! I am still amazed at how everything works.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

[MrsReber]

So...have you told your husband yet???

[Jorgan]

I told my husband last night, I wanted to wait until I got word from the lab that I actually was pregnant (which I got yesterday afternoon). He is soooo excited! He's so cute, all of last night he kept looking at me and smiling.

It is so hard to keep it quiet! I would love to tell my parents but don't know if it's too soon but I also don't want to wait too long. We're thinking we may tell our parents but wait until telling the rest of the family (siblings) until I'm further along. Any suggestions???

[MrsReber]

It's fun to tell people because you're so excited, too, but be warned! Some people will make you crazy. Anyway, I would wait until you're near the end of the first trimester since the risks are greatly reduced at that time. But then again, I have a friend who told everyone right away. She said she wouldn't have done it any other way since, if something did happen, she would want the support of those around her. Personally, I enjoyed it more when only DH and I knew since it was our little secret to share.