Pregnancy Day By Day

In the world of pregnancy books, Pregnancy: Day by Day really makes an effort to stand out. Unlike the usual month-by-month format, this book truly devotes an entire page to every day of an “average” forty-week pregnancy, giving expectant mamas something new to read every day. There are fantastic photos scattered throughout, giving those who are curious a glimpse into the womb. Info boxes focus on topics like dad’s perspective, twins, nutrition, common discomforts, and questions you may have (answered by medical professionals, other moms, and sometimes a panel featuring multiple responses). The very beginning focuses on important topics for a healthy pregnancy, such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle hazards. There is an extensive chapter on labor and birth itself, which includes information on natural and medicated pain relief, special circumstances (such as premature or breech birth), and cesareans. Short chapters at the end detail the first few weeks of baby’s life and complications during pregnancy and birth. Most of the information is, overall, typical of mainstream baby books, and geared towards a woman planning a typical hospital birth, although topics like water birth, home birth, and doulas do get examined briefly. This shouldn’t be the only pregnancy book you read, but Pregnancy: Day by Day is a good place to start.