So you’re pregnant – congratulations! Even if it’s your first baby, you will be a mom soon. Being a mom is amazing, but it can also be overwhelming and scary at times. There are a lot of decisions to make, and it’s hard to know what’s best for you and your baby. From choosing baby clothes to setting up a nursery to start.
One way to help you feel more prepared for motherhood is to read pregnancy books for first-time moms. These books can give you information and advice on everything from how to deal with pregnancy symptoms to what to expect during labor and delivery. They can also help you understand your baby’s development and learn about parenting styles. A study also showed that providing any type of baby books to mothers positively influenced maternal reading beliefs (1).
If you’re not sure where to start, check out some of the recommendations for the best pregnancy books for first-time moms below.
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Pregnancy Books For First Time Moms Picks
1. What to Expect When You’re Expecting
This book covers everything from why your feet are swollen to why that baby bump isn’t a reliable predictor of your baby’s gender. You’ll stay up-to-date with the latest info on prenatal tests, safe vitamin choices, and all the newest birthing options, like water delivery and gentle c-sections. Plus, there’s plenty of practical advice, realistic insights, and easy-to-follow techniques to help you navigate every step of the way.
But wait, there’s more! Your pregnancy lifestyle gets equal attention, with tips on eating (including the latest food trends), drinking coffee, working out (yes, it’s safe!), traveling, and even beauty and skin care. And don’t worry, any signs of pregnancy you experience will be covered, and there’s even a chapter on multiples for those expecting more than one bundle of joy.
2. What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood
The groundbreaking book, What No One Tells You, written by two of the top reproductive psychiatrists in the country, confirms that it’s perfectly normal to feel stressed and transformed during “matrescence,” or the transition to motherhood, similar to how adolescents experience puberty.
These experts provide a deep dive into the psychological and hormonal factors that contribute to the complex feelings new moms face. With over thirty years of combined experience working with expectant and postpartum mothers, they’ve created the first-ever practical guide for new moms. In it, they share invaluable advice on how to navigate the ups and downs of motherhood with less guilt, more confidence, empathy, relaxation, and less resentment.
3. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
This comprehensive guide includes a 40-week pregnancy calendar, symptom reference, essential decision-making advice, week-by-week updates on the baby’s progress, and monthly changes for the mom. It also provides expert advice on conceiving, meal planning, exercise, medication usage, and parenting, as well as answers to those uncomfortable or difficult questions that may arise.
The book was written by a group of pregnancy professionals who believe that witnessing the birth of a child is the most exhilarating and rewarding medical event one can experience.
4. Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy
Leslie Schrock, a seasoned expert in women’s healthcare and technology, has distilled the latest research into the ultimate guide to pregnancy, covering everything from conception to the early months after birth.
Bumpin’ is packed with the most up-to-date clinical research and advice from top experts, so you can make informed decisions for your family. With a focus on science, it answers all your burning pregnancy questions and provides practical tips, like how to create a baby budget and balance work and family life.
This book also tackles topics like the truth about epidurals, the best diet for pregnancy, and how to make safer choices for your cosmetics. But Bumpin’ doesn’t stop there – it also walks you through the postpartum period, which can be full of unexpected physical, emotional, and life changes. You’ll find all the support you need to heal and adjust to life with your new baby.
5. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
In this book, the nation’s top midwife shares her expertise on how to trust your body and embrace the natural process of childbirth.
Drawing on her 30 years of experience, Gaskin provides a female-centered approach to midwifery care, empowering pregnant women with knowledge of the mind-body connection and natural childbirth techniques. With this book, you’ll learn how to have a comfortable, intervention-free delivery.
6. Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy
Angela Garbes, a food and culture writer, was like most new mothers when she found out she was expecting – with many questions about pregnancy. She wanted to know how the placenta works, what triggers labor, why breastmilk is best, and whether drinking wine was completely off-limits. But getting satisfactory answers was not easy.
Even the most reputable publications provide information with a hefty dose of opinion, and medical professionals may provide cautious statistics while internet sources can provide contradictory and sometimes incorrect data. That’s why Angela Garbes set out on a rigorous journey of self-education, delving into the scientific mysticism and cultural attitudes surrounding motherhood to find answers to questions that had previously only been answered by giving women the freedom to choose the best course for themselves.
7. The Mindful Mom-To-Be
As a doula and pregnancy coach, Lori knows how to provide you with the tools you need to make the best decisions for you and your baby.
Her book offers you a mix of spiritual and emotional activities that are not only enjoyable but also helpful in preparing you for parenthood. You will also find solid and prescriptive health information, including nutritional guidance, natural cures, developmental milestones, and birth strategies.
Lori believes that as you prepare to welcome a child into the world, you are also giving birth to yourself as a mother. The Mindful Mom-to-Be is your ultimate holistic companion for pregnancy, delivery, and beyond, with month-by-month advice, comprehensive checklists, and personalized birth plans.
8. Expecting Better
Oster examines the evidence behind common pregnancy guidelines and debunks falsehoods to give you the facts you need to make informed decisions. From the true effects of alcohol to the perils (or lack thereof) of gardening, Expecting Better is the ultimate guide for a healthy and stress-free pregnancy.
9. The Fourth Trimester
Drawing on her extensive professional experience as a doula, postpartum consultant, yoga teacher, bodyworker, and women’s health advocate, as well as the healing philosophies of Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and herbalism, Kimberly provides practical suggestions and tools to help women navigate postpartum recovery on every level.
From preparing your body for birth to setting up your home for a smooth transition to motherhood, Kimberly’s guide covers it all. She shares straightforward practices and home remedies that can ease physical discomfort and emotional stress. Whether you’re looking for advice on nutrition, self-care, or building a support network, Kimberly’s guide is a must-read.
10. Sh!t No One Tells You About Pregnancy
Pregnancy isn’t all about cute onesies and baby shower themes. Let’s be real, sometimes it’s downright unglamorous and you might feel like a hot mess. But don’t worry, Dawn Dais has got your back.
In her book, The Sh!t No One Tells You About Pregnancy, Dawn covers it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly. From expert advice to cautionary tales, she’s got you covered. She even provides Parent-Training Workouts to help you prepare for the challenges of motherhood, like dealing with public restrooms and surviving a day at Chuck E. Cheese.
This is a must-have resource for expecting mothers and their partners who are looking for a mix of humor, friendship, and practical advice to help them navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy.
11. Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood―and Trusting Yourself and Your Body
Nurture is the only all-encompassing pregnancy and birthing book for contemporary expectant moms and their partners who choose a more integrated approach. It is a thorough and judgment-free pregnancy companion.
Author Erica Chidi Cohen’s work as a doula has allowed her to support countless births and ease hundreds of families into their new duties. From the first several months of pregnancy until the newborn’s first few weeks, everything is covered by Cohen.
This inspiring book covers a wide range of vital subjects that every modern parent should be aware of, including fetal growth, choosing between a hospital, home, or birth center delivery, the fundamentals of nursing, advice on what to anticipate afterward, and more.
12. The Pregnant Body Book
The Pregnant Body Book is a fascinating resource for anyone who wants to understand the intricate and amazing changes that occur during pregnancy. It provides a detailed look at the anatomy and physiology of both the reproductive systems, as well as the evolution of human pregnancy.
With a week-by-week breakdown, The Pregnant Body Book explores the growth of the fetus and the corresponding changes in the mother’s body. Every single anatomical and physiological change is covered with extraordinary depth, giving readers a comprehensive understanding of the process.
Specially commissioned 3D artworks, graphics, scans, and photographs provide an up-close and personal look at the exact changes and growth of a baby throughout pregnancy, as well as the female body’s incredible adaptation to bear it.
13. Say No to Placenta Pics: And Other Hilarious, Unsolicited Advice for Pregnant Women
Say No to Placenta Pics follows the hilarious and heartfelt journey of best friends Allison and Jillian as they navigate pregnancy together. Even though only one of them is expecting, they both end up on a wild ride of emotions that will leave you in stitches.
Forget the boring advice and perfect Instagram photos, this book is all about real talk. Allison and Jillian aren’t afraid to tackle the tough topics, from morning sickness and weird cravings to postpartum depression and sex after a baby. They even dish out some not-so-politically-correct opinions on placenta encapsulation and other controversial topics.
14. Bumps and Burpees: Your Guide to Staying Strong, Fit and Happy Throughout Pregnancy
With Charlie’s guidance, you’ll learn how to exercise safely and effectively throughout your pregnancy, anticipating the physical changes that come with each trimester. These step-by-step workouts will boost your strength, fitness, and flexibility, preparing you for childbirth and a speedy recovery postpartum. And the best part? You can do them all from the comfort of your own home with minimal equipment needed.
Charlie’s holistic approach will also help you prioritize your personal health and wellness during this transformative time.
15. Eat This, Not That! When You’re Expecting: The Doctor Recommended Plan for Baby and You
Looking for meal ideas that are nutritious for both you and your baby can be overwhelming. But no need to worry, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a leading expert in women’s health and the chief reporter for ABC News, is here to help! Having delivered over 1,500 healthy babies, Dr. Ashton provides easy-to-follow recipes that are not only delicious but also promote a healthy pregnancy.
In addition to scrumptious recipes, Eat This, Not That When You Are Expecting features trimester-by-trimester meal plans, insider tips for dining out at restaurants, and aisle-by-aisle grocery substitutions. This comprehensive guide, co-authored by David Zinczenko, the co-founder of Eat This, Not That, ensures that you can confidently order, prepare, and savor meals during your pregnancy.
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How To Choose The Best Pregnancy Book
- Learning Style: Some moms prefer to read books packed with information, while others prefer something more light-hearted and easy to read. Consider what will work best for you.
- Pregnancy Stage: There are books geared towards different stages, so if you are in your first trimester, you may want to look for a book that covers that specifically.
- Information: Some books are more comprehensive, covering everything from nutrition to labor and delivery. Others focus on more specific topics, like natural childbirth or breastfeeding.
- Reputable Source: it is important to consider the author’s credentials, the book’s reviews, and its overall tone. The author’s credentials can give you an idea of their expertise on the subject, while the reviews can give you an idea of what other parents think of the book.
Is The First Year Of Motherhood The Hardest?
It is often said that the first year of motherhood is the hardest. This is because mothers are responsible for caring for their newborn babies around the clock. In addition, they may be recovering from childbirth and dealing with hormonal changes. All of these factors can make the first year of motherhood quite challenging.
What Percentage Of First Time Moms Break?
Approximately 15% of women experience membrane rupture prior to labor, while the remaining 85% may have their water break during labor, delivery, or even early pregnancy. This can be an important distinction, as knowing whether or not your water has broken can help determine the best course of action for your labor and delivery.
If your water breaks before labor, you will likely be induced. If your water breaks during labor, your doctor will closely monitor you and your baby to make sure there is no infection. If your water breaks early in pregnancy, you will be at risk for miscarrying. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of each so that you can seek the appropriate medical attention.
Which Month Is Difficult In Pregnancy?
Most women find that the later stages of pregnancy (the third trimester) are more challenging, as they may experience more fatigue and back pain. Additionally, the closer they get to their due date, the more anxious they may feel about giving birth.
What Things Should You Not Do In Early Pregnancy?
There are a few things to avoid during early pregnancy, as they can potentially harm the developing fetus. These include:
- Avoid drinking alcohol, as it can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
- Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of miscarrying, premature birth, and low birth weight.
- Avoid exposure to toxins, such as lead or mercury, as they can cause birth defects.
- Avoid eating unpasteurized foods, as they may contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness.
- Avoid taking certain medications, as they may be harmful to the developing fetus.
How Often Do First Time Moms Go Into Labor Naturally?
Generally speaking, first time moms have a higher chance of going into labor naturally (without any medical interventions) than moms who have already had a baby. This is because the body is typically more efficient at labor the second time around.
That said, labor usually occurs around the 38-40 week mark for first time moms. While some women do go into labor naturally at this time, others may need to be induced.
