A first pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience. Everything is new and so much needs to be done to prepare for the arrival of a new baby. There are a lot of great books written about pregnancy and for pregnant women but it’s hard to know which ones to choose.
Pregnancy Books
Before running out and buying every book with "pregnancy" in the title, it’s useful to check out the local library first. They won’t be the most recent editions, but if a helpful book is found than the most recent edition can be purchased confidently know that it’s a book that will be read and not just get dusty on the bookshelf.
It’s also recommended to wait until after the first appointment with an obstetrician, as oftentimes free books and other materials will be given to the patient. In addition, sometimes clinics make pregnancy related books and videos available to their patients to check out.
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Mayo ClinicPublisher: Harper Paperbacks Publication Date: April 2004 ISBN #: 978-0060746377
This book comes from the Mayo Clinic, one of the premiere medical institutions in the world. In addition, the material inside is well organized and informational.
Part one of the book is specific to pregnancy, childbirth and newborn baby’s. Most notably, the first part contains a chapter for each month of pregnancy that details:
- baby’s growth
- changes to the pregnant body
- emotional changes
- what can be expected at upcoming doctor’s appointments
An incredibly useful chart specifying symptoms and at what point those symptoms merit calling a doctor.
Part two of the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy book contains decision guides about pregnancy and childbirth. It helps parents make informed choices during pregnancy, such as the decision to do genetic testing and whether to breastfeed or not.
Part three is a wonderful pregnancy reference guide for concerns and questions that frequently come up during pregnancy and part four deals with complications during and after pregnancy.
Baby Bargains, 8th Edition: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Gear, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear and Much, Much More! By. Denise and Alan FieldsPublisher: Windsor Peak Press Publication Date: April 2009 ISBN #: 978-1889392332
It is definitely worth getting the most up to date edition of Baby Bargains as the material in the book is time sensitive to what is in stores now. Baby Bargains does exactly that, it finds the best possible bargains for parents as they prepare for their new baby. In fact, the authors of Baby Bargains promise a refund of the cost of the book if the book doesn’t save the reader at least $250. Recommendations are based on the first hand experiences of the authors, interviews with over 10,000 new parents, a Baby Bargains message board with over 20,000 members, and interviews with retailers and manufacturers at relevant trade shows. Recommendations are given on every possible baby product and are graded on an A-F scale. In addition, the authors don’t hesitate to tell you what is absolutely necessary for a new baby, and what is a waste of money. Baby Bargains is truly indispensable for anyone expecting a baby.
Pregnancy Journals
Another useful resource for a pregnancy is the purchase of some kind of journal to document the pregnancy. There are a lot of different types and styles of journals out there and the purchase of one is really a personal preference. The basic intent of these journals is to record both physical and emotional changes throughout the pregnancy. Many journals will also contain spaces for ultrasound photographs. A wide variety of journals can be found by visiting the pregnancy section of any bookstore. These journals help keep first time pregnant mom’s busy, and can also prove to be a useful resource when experiencing subsequent pregnancies.
There are also a lot of great general pregnancy resources on the Internet and many Internet sites for naming baby. Getting ready for a new baby involves making a lot of choices and also spending a lot of money. Hopefully these book recommendations can help ease the anxiety of a new pregnancy.
Miranda Zinnel - I hold a B.A double major in social studies education and history. I also hold a minor in political science. I have also completed my ...
