Must-read pregnancy books

Pregnancy and birth. There are many billions of words to be read about these life-changing subjects.  Blogs, forums, websites, magazines and pregnancy books are all full of advice, fact and a fair bit of subjective nonsense. It is very easy to be utterly confused and bamboozled by it all. 

So, what and who to believe? As a newly pregnant woman or dad-to-be, you will soon come to realise that EVERYONE is an expert in carrying, birthing and bringing up baby. 

Here are our top 5 pregnancy books to read when you’re expecting, with all the answers to your questions or worries.

Our recommended pregnancy books

How to choose the best pregnancy books to read

The blue lines on the pregnancy test signal the start of a million questions for first-time mums. Where should you find the answers to the worries that occur at 3am? My go-to tome of knowledge would be a good pregnancy book. The best pregnancy books should be full of the following elements: 

• Facts from midwives, doctors, health visitors and scientists 
• Objective useful advice from people who’ve experienced the rollercoaster of new parenthood
• A sense of humour 
• The attitude that every mother, father and baby is different and there should be flexibility  
• Honesty
• An acknowledgement that baby books for dads should be ‘a thing’ too. 

Your life will soon become ALL about pregnancy and birth and babies. You will have random moments of panic, sudden urges to check on what your baby looks like in this week of your pregnancy (a pregnancy day-by-day book is perfect for this!) and the need to check that your baby shopping list has all that it should upon it. 

Good pregnancy books should have all the information you need in one place. Here are some of the other reasons why I would pick books about pregnancy over digital media.

• A well-thumbed, much loved and trusted book in your handbag will help you feel calm and in control (Even when you’re not!)
• It’s a keepsake to cherish. ESPECIALLY if it has suspicious stains from the very early days of parenthood
• You’ll refer to your baby guidebook for the next child. By the time you’re on baby number two, it’s you who’s the expert but a little backup and fact checking won’t hurt
• Reading your phone or iPad in the bath or before going to sleep doesn’t have the same comforting feel. Or maybe I’m just old fashioned!?