Pregnancy is an exciting yet frightening experience. This life-changing transition brings along a flurry of hormones, physical and mental changes, and changes to your relationships. To say that it is a challenging time would be an understatement.
If you’re a first-time parent, you want to be well-prepared. With friends and relatives bombarding you with tips and advice, you don’t know what to follow.
You have probably even come across several books on pregnancy. Reading the best books can help you prepare for your pregnancy and answer your questions, especially if you are a first-time parent.
This article lists the top books on the subject written by experts in the field.
4 Best Pregnancy Books For First-time Parents
1. What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff
This is easily one of the best books available for expecting parents. This classic book even has a movie made out of it. It has all the information you will need during your nine months.
It has chapters dedicated to different aspects of pregnancy like diet, fitness, beauty, and skincare. It also has expecting dads covered and has an accompanying app.
It offers information on prenatal screenings, medication, birthing options, weekly developments, and even multiple pregnancies. The book also talks about pregnancy complications and coping with losing a baby. Truly America’s pregnancy Bible.
2. Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong And What You Really Need To Know by Emily Oster
You have probably heard hundreds of dos and don’ts from your parents and doctors, without reasons or explanations. These can be scary and contradictory.
This friendly guide debunks all the old myths about pregnancy. The author empowers you with information so you can make your own decisions calmly.
She answers frequently asked questions about healthy and unhealthy foods and activities. Yes, you will find out why gardening can be hazardous and why flying can be perilous.
This enlightening book is a must-read for first-time parents.
3. The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide To Pregnancy and Childbirth by Genevieve Howland
The Mama Natural Guide busts myths revolving around natural pregnancies. It gives you advice for every week of your pregnancy and the weeks after.
The author offers essential information on nutritional needs, pregnancy diet, birth stories, guidelines for labor and breastfeeding, and more.
The book contains expert advice from Maura Winkler, a registered nurse, and Cynthia Mason, a midwife. This humorous book, with its excellent illustrations, will keep you hooked till the end.
It deviates from the traditional, fear-based approach and views pregnancy as a beautiful and natural biological process.
4. The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be by Armin Brott and Jennifer Ash
The Expectant Father packs all the information first-time dads need. This month-by-month guide helps dads-to-be cope with the challenges that accompany pregnancy.
The modern classic offers guidance on achieving a work-life balance, being financially prepared, and supporting your partner. It also provides practical tips to help you sail through labor, delivery, and the first few months after your baby’s arrival.
This is the ultimate guide for expecting fathers, brimming with wisdom and tips from sociologists, psychologists, and obstetricians.
As you learn about pregnancy and the baby’s development, the cartoon illustrations peppered throughout the book will offer some much-needed comic relief.
2 Best Audio Books For First-Time Parents
1. The Sh!t No One Tells You by Dawn Dais
New mothers soon realize that their life as they knew it has ended. All the parenting tips and advice you gathered seem useless, and the gifts you received don’t seem to help. The endless diaper changes, the sleepless nights, and crying take a toll on you.
This audio guide will help you get through the first year of motherhood with a healthy dose of humor and encouragement. The updated version has tips for single parents and dads too.
The Shit No One Tells You humorously takes you through the ups (not too many!) and downs of being a new mother and shares honest advice from real moms.
2. Mayo Clinic Guide To Your Baby’s First Years by Dr. Walter Cook and Dr. Kelsey Klaas
Childcare experts at a reputed clinic have prepared this best-selling guide. The manual helps new parents cope with their child’s growth and development.
It lists all the expected and unexpected changes you may encounter during the first three years of your child’s development.
New and experienced parents will find helpful advice on nutrition, diapering, potty training, healthy sleeping habits, and safety concerns. The authors also offer tips and strategies to help deal with picky eaters, fussy babies, tantrums, and more.
They address modern problems like single parenting, delayed child growth, balancing work and life, and more.
This reference guide will come in handy through the first three years of your baby’s life.
Are Pregnancy Books Worth It?
Making the simplest decisions can become hard with the many dos and don’ts around pregnancy.
These research-based books from experts will ease the stress, uncertainty, and anxiety of being a first-time parent. They also give you an idea of what to expect next and prepare you for future tasks.
A good pregnancy book can become your friend in the taxing times of your pregnancy, providing assurance, tips, and solutions. Being well prepared and learning about your mind and body will support your physical and mental health through the nine months of pregnancy and beyond.
An evidence-based book that offers information on the various aspects of pregnancy and lists helpful resources can be invaluable.
Wrapping It Up
Pregnancy is a beautiful experience, one you will cherish for a lifetime. However, along with morning sickness, swollen feet, and mood swings, you have to deal with another major nuisance—myths.
The dos and don’ts are never-ending and even inaccurate at times. Pregnancy books and parenting guides can help first-time parents wade through the uncertainty and enjoy this wonderful phase.
So, learn as much as you can about the process, at ease. These best-selling pregnancy books guarantee to support you through the journey.
