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Pregnancy leaves you with a lot of time on your hands (yes, boredom during pregnancy is common), during which you tend to have a trillion questions and concerns but no clear answers. It is okay to feel lost and it’s also understandable that you can’t trust every other site on the internet. So, how about picking up a good book, one that could answer your questions and guide you through your pregnancy? In addition to gaining insight into the world of pregnancy and childbirth, this can also be an opportunity to bring back the forgotten art of reading.
Having said that, don’t overwhelm yourself with all the worldly information about pregnancy and post-pregnancy that will leave you feeling anxious about what’s to come. You might have heard stories about women about to give birth that no matter how much preparation they did, they felt anxious when the time came to nurture the tiny, fragile baby. So without wasting any more time, let’s get started with five of the best pregnancy-related books that you should have on your shelf during those nine months:
The Girlfriend’s Guide To Pregnancy: Or Everything Your Doctor Won’t Tell You
Written by Vicki Iovine, this is the one book you must get your hands on if you’re pregnant because it tells you everything you need to know — like you’re hearing it from your best friend! It’s hilarious (God knows we need some laughter during pregnancy!) and reassuring at the same time, and that’s something you need. Women have a lot of emotional insecurities when pregnant, and the book highlights it. By doing so, it helps you understand that there is no such thing as a “perfect pregnancy”, and you’re doing everything you can, which is impressive in itself!
Many book reviewers have called this book heartfelt and humorous at the same time. There are many issues addressed in the book that women are usually embarrassed to ask. But it adds to the humor in the copy. From fluctuating mood swings, food cravings to body aches and irritability, there is no stopping this book from coming pretty close to what pregnancy actually looks like.
Expecting Better
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When it comes to pregnancy, the rules are plenty. What you should eat, what you shouldn’t, how you should sit, how you shouldn’t — the list is endless. But the fact of the matter is that pregnancy isn’t all that black and white, which is precisely what Emily Oster talks about in her book. Various pregnancy health studies have been conducted, and Expecting Better evaluates the quality of its methodology. As an expectant mother, you need information that can help you make an informed decision, so if that’s what you’re looking for, then this book is for you!
She shatters all the misconceptions surrounding being pregnant, that are actually propagated by many research studies that seem far-fetched. Even though there are numbers or stats applied to everything, when it comes to pregnancy, the scale is always unpredictable. As they say, the theory does not always work in practice. All data goes for a toss when it comes to handling a restless baby.
The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding
This comprehensive resource guide is something you should invest in if you’re an expectant mother. It’s on our list because many mothers don’t have enough clarity when it comes to breastfeeding. This book solves that problem for you. Whether you’re a working mom, stay-at-home mom, or a single mom, this book works for all types of mothers. This one covers it all, from addressing breastfeeding problems to strategies to build a supportive network at home or work. It also talks about weaning and how you can make your baby stop with the habit by using different strategies.
Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy: From Doctors Who Are Parents, Too!
The Mayo Clinic Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy has to be one of the most reliable pregnancy-centric books of all time! It covers pretty much everything through the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Many fears are associated with pregnancy, but when a rational, accurate explanation is given from a reliable source, it can help alleviate your worries. It answers all your questions about fertility, infertility, pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This one is very clear and concise with its pregnancy content. Explaining each month out of the nine in great detail, you can learn about the different side effects of a few medications and practices plus how to avoid them.
Strong As A Mother
Strong As A Mother is a beautiful read, and you’ll love it. Most pregnancy-themed books talk about the physical side of pregnancy, but what sets this one apart is that it addresses the mental and emotional baggage too. And we must be mentally prepared throughout this journey with ample emotional support. Kate Rope, the author, covers everything from anxiety, body change struggles, postpartum depression, as well as the simple fears and troubles an expectant mother goes through. You can always keep this book handy when you are feeling down and lift your spirits if it’s getting harder to cope. It just tells you to have faith in yourself, respect your partner’s willingness to help you out, and pass on positive vibes to your baby. The process may be difficult, but learning to enjoy it will create an unbreakable bond with your baby. So, go ahead and add it to your TBR now!
The perils and beautiful moments of being a mother go hand in hand. No matter how much you have equipped yourself with the best products plus techniques out there, things may not go your way at times. So it is good to get all the advice from your mother, your friends who are already mothers, and go through pregnancy literature that mentally and physically helps you brush your fears away. Each book has something great to offer. These books can guide you during your pregnancy and prepare you for the big day, as well as what lies ahead! So go ahead and take your pick. Have you read any of these books? Do you have a favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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