What to Expect When You're Expecting: 4th Edition

What to Expect... (2010-07-30) : 5/5
Expect a good, informative book on pregnancy. My wife are very very happy with the wealth of practical info in the book. A must-have for expecting couples.
Medical info from a non-medical professional? I'll pass. (2010-07-29) : 1/5
I had a friend tell me once that her OB's office had a sign posted that said "Please do not read What to Expect When You're Expecting." Now that I have read the book (during my first pregnancy) I know why!
It's alarmist and often incomplete advice can cause panic in already anxious expectant moms. It's not a fun, girlfriend-style guide on maternity clothes and mocktails- it really does attempt to school you about the biology and psychology of pregnancy, only the advice always seems to fall short.

When I tried to get some background on the author, I learned that she was a former copywriter for an ad agency, not a doctor or nurse. Sure, she's had a baby, but so has my dry cleaner and I'm not taking her pregnancy advice as gospel, either.

If you are prego, chances are that you own this book or will receive it as a gift. Do yourself a favor and exchange it for a different guide.
As per our Midwife's advice: Throw it away... now! (2010-07-22) : 1/5
This book is the worst book any newly pregnant woman can read. It is fear based to a degree that makes you wonder if Murkoff is intending to help you or to avoid a lawsuit. According to the book you are cursed if you do and if you don't. Diets are impossible to follow, and practically everything from green tea to vitamins can cause a birth defect. In terms of literary value, this book is filled with annoying and condescending cliches. Sadly, it becomes evident through the content that Heidi Murkoff has no formal training in these matters.

I followed my midwife's advice and decided to throw it away. Please, do not give it to your girlfriends as a gift. It may say that is the pregnancy bible, but it is in fact a misinformed alarming guide to complete freak out. My anxieties indeed stopped when I got rid of this book.

I would suggest "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide," by Penny Simkin. It is written by actual professionals in the field.

btw, I'm using my husband's account. This review comes from a pregnant woman :)


Don't Waste Your Time (2010-07-21) : 1/5
This book is useless for those women really wanting to know about pregnancy and birth. It basically tells mom's to just do what the Dr. tells them. It does not inform mom so that she can really know what is happening and how to make informed choices regarding pregnancy and birth. Don't waste your time or your money.

If you want a pregnancy book I suggest Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Peggy Simpkins. When I was trained as a doula and childbirth educator, this book was on the 'to read' list. Very informative.
Great book! (2010-07-16) : 5/5
I love this book! It's so informative and answered many questions my doctor didn't. This book is the first place i go for answers about my pregnancy.