You’re pregnant! Congratulations! First things first, we’ve rounded up the best pregnancy books for you here as you get started on your journey. If you’re like us after seeing that positive (and heading to the Doctors to confirm) you’re ready to get planning for baby.
Immediately after finding out Baby H was on the way, I did what I do best, and researched what books to buy. As we say, knowledge is power, and nothing makes me feel better than being as prepared as possible for a situation and the various outcomes. Pregnancy and childbirth is something I knew little about, and I had questions. Lots of questions. From if things are normal or abnormal in pregnancy, to what to expect throughout the journey, what to buy for Baby H, how to prepare for all of the pregnancy milestones (and ultimately for childbirth), and most importantly, what to do with the baby once he is here. I also am SUPER interested in what happens to YOU post-baby. So, looking at “the fourth trimester”, postpartum, and how to keep feeling your best, keep your relationship strong and be the best you can for your new bundle of joy.
This said we’ve rounded up all of the books we’ve purchased, been given, or have been recommended for pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and beyond. Let us know what we’re missing from our list and we will update this as we read, hear, and learn more!
The Best Pregnancy Books Overall (comprehensive pre and post-birth)
- The Doula’s Guide to Empowering Your Birth (LOVED this one!)
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting
- Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
- The New Rules of Pregnancy: What to eat, do think about, and let go of while your body is making a baby (simple!)
- Mommy IQ: Rosie Pope’s Complete Guide to Pregnancy (listened to this one on Audible and enjoyed it!)
- 50 Things To Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Guide (simple!)
The Best Real Deal Pregnancy Books (with a bit of humor)
- Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom is Wrong- and What You Really Need to Know
- Sh!t No One Tells You About Pregnancy (listened to this on Audible and it was good for basic knowledge and laughs)
The Best Pregnancy Books for Specifics
- Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition
- The Wellness Mama Cookbook: 200 Easy-to-Prepare Recipes and Time-Saving Advice for the Busy Cook
- Yeah, Baby! Jillian Michaels Guide (fitness)
- Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Healthy, Happy, and Sane from Pregnancy to Parenthood
The Best Books for Postpartum
- The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, & Restoring Your Vitality
- The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, & Success After Baby
- The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
The Best Books for Dads
- The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be
- We’re Pregnant!: The First-Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
The Best Books for Baby Needs (post-birth)
- 12 Hours Sleep by 12 Weeks Old: A Step-by-Step Plan for Baby Sleep Success
- What to Expect: The First Year
- Cribsheet: A data-driven guide to better, more relaxed parenting, from birth to preschool
- On Becoming Baby Wise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep
