Expecting: Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy, Labour and Birth Paperback – May 1, 2013

Ho trovato questo libro un eccellente guida durante la mia gravidanza e l' ho regalato a mia volta ad una amica. Molto utili le informazioni periodo per periodo e gli esercizi e i consigli per prepararsi al parto. Lo raccomanderei.

I bought just two books when I discovered that I was pregnant for the first time. If I was allowed to keep only one of them, it would be this one. As the cover claims, Expecting really does contain all the information you need to prepare for childbirth, and presents it in a clear and straightforward manner. Both authors have experience of teaching ante-natal classes, and I found that much of the material in the book echoed topics that were covered by the NCT classes that I attended.With the exception of three key areas that merit their own dedicated sections (What's Safe And What's Not, Medical Conditions and Pregnancy and When Things Go Wrong), each chapter in the book relates to a specific week in your pregnancy. It works really well if you stick to reading a chapter a week, as each one includes information about things that are 'happening now' and then introduces one or two topics that you will need to consider for future weeks, so that you're not overwhelmed. In this way, the first time mother has time to marvel at her changing body and the growing baby inside her, whilst gradually getting to grips with the reality of tests, scans, swelling ankles and the whole business of giving birth. Of course, the book also works just fine if you would prefer to read it in one sitting; here, the chronological presentation can even help you to put some markers in your diary. If you're worried that a week-by-week account might stop you being able to track down that vital piece of advice about breathing exercises after you've read it, a comprehensive index is at hand.For those who prefer lots of colourful photos, or topic-based information structure, then this is probably not the book for you, but I can recommend  Your Pregnancy Bible new revised and expanded edition  by Anne Deans. If, however, you're just looking for a no-nonsense account of the issues that you will need to consider when you're expecting, then buy this book. Your Pregnancy Bible new revised and expanded edition

I read this religiously every week (or every two weeks) (right up until week 37 when my baby came early :/) It helped me prepare so well for the birth and pregnancy - highlighting the things I needed to think about in good time and in an easy bit size pieces. It was easy to read and really informative without being biased. As I was hugely busy, I found this perfect in the way it was broken down (just a few pages/ chapter each week). Luckily I had gone to some antenatal classes too which helped with the actual labour - but you could read ahead (I tended to read it week by week as I went along).

So far I'm finding this a very informative read. The authors are great in covering all aspects of pregnancy, and for a first time mum this seems like all I'll need. Flicking through (I'm not going too in depth as I don't want to scare myself!!) it looks really...scary! No, seriously, it looks really informative and like they cover everything you need to know. The only thing I think it's missing are pictures of the developing foetus, as you do wonder what it looks like and how big it is and your mind can sometimes be imagining how it looks.

Yes, you can get everything online these days, but time and time again I go back to this thorough and comprehensive classic. I felt well prepared throughout my pregnancies, but I recommend that you also buy a book about how to care for a newborn because I was a little stumped when my son arrived as I focussed on my pregnancy and too little on looking after a baby. Gina Ford or Tracey Hogg are pretty good at the caring for a baby side of things. However, this is THE book for pregnancy. Buy the most recent edition though.