Great pregnancy book recommendations

[sunshinela]

Hey peeps,

Have any of you got any good recommendations of books you use for reference? is What to expect a good book? Or are there others that give sound advice on diet/excercise/emotions/symptoms/fetus growth etc?

I also really want to know a good website that has a pregnancy check list as I am totally clueless as what needs to be done by when.

Thanks!!!!

I got 'What To Expect When You're Expecting', an American book which has been rewritten for the UK market. Its ok over all (I love the way if tracks developments week by week and month by month), but there were a few things that bugged me. Some of what they assume to be standard doesn't tally with what's actually normal in the NHS, at least in my experience. If I was buying a book again I would get something more specifically aimed at the UK market. Secondly, their idea of an ideal pregnancy diet would probably be beyond even the most obsessively PFB of mothers (or am I just lazy? ) and their diet advice is stricter than the NHS guidelines. And they are so sodding cutesy about everything (frequent unironic use of word 'adorable').

I had the mumsnet pregnancy book, and it was very good although I kept giggling at it out loud and dh thought I was going mental! I personally also liked the pregnancy tracker apps for my phone, they give you tips etc and also pics and info about where your baby's development is up to. What sort of pregnancy checklist are you after? In truth, pretty much all you need to know is in the book the mw gives at the booking appointment, and any other questions you have can usually be answered online.

The best book i read when pregnant was " the best friends guide to pregnancy"

I got the Denise Van Outten book which was really good. There are specailists views and then her own diary of her pregnancy which was really good. I didn't but it until I waas nearly 20 weeks though so I skipped the first bits

The one by Gurggle.com every week is explained etc. xx

Thanks you lot.

How's about a great book for the expectant dad? Any ideas? Funny ones? informative ones?

I looked at the expectant dad books fro my dp and found them, without exception, to be patronising and just a bit tacky. I like the Rough Guide to Pregnancy and also Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. Miriam Stoppard and her dungaree clad, wistful looking women in the illustrations make me want to stick pins in my eyes so avoid her.

I liked Rough Guide to Pregnancy. It was concise enough for MrNC to dip into, too.

The Best Friends one was terrible - possibly useful for women whose main concern is whether they look fat or pregnant.
What to Expect... was OK but very medical and American and didn't quite work for a UK market.

Though for timetables etc those mags you get in the antenatal clinic waiting areas contain everything you need with an up-to-date NHS slant.
The NC guide:
Diet - Food Standards Agency website
Exercise - don't try to do more than before pregnancy, take it easy if you have to
Emotions - go haywire and everyone's different
Symptoms - absolutely anything! Talk to your midwife if worried
Growth - yes, they do. Talk to your midwife if you have concerns.

I got my DH Pregnancy for Men, and he's reading it avidly, ahead of the impending next stage. Often he'll have a titter and then read the bit to me. He says he likes it cos its obvious a bloke's written it, but it tells him everything he needs to know.I've had a read too, and it is quite humorous in places.

I love love love the day by day pregnancy book, and also the pregnancy bible. Both really helpful and lovely books.

I have bought lots of books and without doubt hands down the best one is by Ina May - Guide to child birth.

The other book that has been a good guide week by week is the What to Expect book... just get these 2 and forget the rest!!

I love the day by day one too, especially for all the scan pictures.
In the bathroom I have the mumsnet book and what to expect. I know my boyfriend has been reading them too when he is in there. I like the mumsnet one, it is like reading lots of advice on here. The what to expect one is very very informative but sometimes the writing style gets on my nerves.

I've not really found a pregnancy book I rate, but the best for preparing for when the baby arrives is definitely the Baby Whisperer. It was given to me by a friend who had bought hundreds, but only ever used this one.

I second the Baby Whisperer. Her EASY approach made sense to me and baby, not that there was ever much 'you time', but really invaluable in helping understand DD and getting into a routine of sorts

Can't recommend Juju Sundin's Birth Skills book enough! About 4 weeks ago started having panic attack about giving birth. Looked at videos on line about different types of pain relief and it all seemed awful and unhelpful. Decided i wanted a c-section but then saw the process for that and felt hopeless. Someone recommended this book to me. By page 24 i felt SO much better! The book is about how to effectively manage your pain. It doesn't advocate no other forms of pain relief but gives you step by step guides how to cope until and if you do decide you want something medical. She clearly explains how are bodies work, what causes the pain, what hormones are being produced in our bodies at the time and how to use them to your benefit rather than detriment. Love Juju!!!

Once you've had your fill of factual books, you must get hold of some of Liz Fraser's writing. She's so practical and down to earth it's hilarious. There's loads of tips that you wouldn't have even thought of considering. It's a good one to give you a giggle later on in pregnancy to lighten things up. All based on first hand advice though - she's a mum of 3 herself.

The baby whisperer isnt really for pregnancy, but for when the baby is born, but it is AMAZING. I am reading it already. Definately reccomend.

Noo, I hated Liz Frasers pregnancy book. Yummy mummy something? Can't remember what it is called. It's basically about how you shouldn't get fat and how nothing will really change. Complete bollocks.

Yehudi Gordon's Birth and Beyond for the non-fluffy facts with great photography and MN guide to pregnancy for the arfs.

Not a ref book, but if you want a funny read try "the fat ladies club". Think there is a sequel too. I enjoyed both, quick warning there are a couple of sadder bits too but overall a really nice read.

It's about five first timers that meet at their antenatal group, real story of their experiences, preparation etc.

I would say read what mothers do especially when it looks like nothing.

You are expecting a baby. I almost forgot that fact and focused a lot on pregnancy and birth. What mothers do is a fantastic book and o wish I'd read it when pregnant.