Best Pregnancy Books for Expectant Moms and Dads

These pregnancy books come recommended by the expectant moms and dads who turned to them for answers, inspiration, and humor! Because pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also leave you with lots of unanswered questions.

Check out our parent reviews for the best books on pregnancy, and head over to our list of favorite parenting books once you've welcomed your little one into the world!

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    What to Expect When You're Expecting

    Gina I.:  What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff has been a go-to resource for expectant moms for decades…and for good reason! You’ll find a handy week-by-week guide for keeping track of baby’s development, as well as updated information on current health related pregnancy issues.

    The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

    Gina I.:  Dads can use some help navigating the 9 months before baby arrives too, and this book by by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash doesn’t disappoint. One of the best pregnancy books for men and perfect for first time dads, The Expectant Father gives unique insight on what mom is experiencing (both physically and emotionally) throughout her pregnancy.

    Belly Laughs

    Gina I.:  Jenny McCarthy doesn’t hold back in this hilarious and real portrayal of pregnancy. You won’t find lots of medical advice here, but you will get a brutally honest look at things like pregnancy sex and hemorrhoids. A fast, fun read!

    Expecting Better

    Sarah Twidal:  Great book for learning about the data behind many pregnancy myths.

    Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

    Gina I.:  A midwife for more than 30 years, Ina May Gaskin has seen it all, and she shares her wisdom on how to have a healthy and fulfilling childbirth experience. Whether you are hoping for an intervention free birth or simply want to better prepare yourself, you’ll find lots of great information here.

    The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy

    Gina I.:  If you’re one of the first of your friends to get pregnant, who do you look to for real advice? The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine is a light-hearted, humorous look at pregnancy and childbirth, as well as a guide to staying stylish and feeling sexy throughout your 9 months.

    The Mindful Mom-To-Be

    Gina I.:  A more holistic approach to pregnancy, The Mindful Mom-to-Be by Lori Bregman & Stefani Newman helps parents prepare physically and emotionally for the journey to parenthood. You’ll find great nutritional advice, exercises that help alleviate discomfort, tips on delivery, and much more.

    Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

    Gina I.:  If you are looking for accurate medical advice on pregnancy without the ‘scare factor,’ this is the book for you. Read it from cover to cover or use it as a resource to check your symptoms and review important pregnancy decisions.

    The Healthy Pregnancy Book

    Gina I.:  Written by Dr. William Sears, The Healthy Pregnancy Book focuses on natural ways you can stay healthy and active throughout your pregnancy. From using natural cleaning products in your home to choosing superfoods for their nutritional benefits, you’ll find lots of informative and practical advice in this book.

    The Everything Father-To-Be Book: A Survival Guide for Men

    Kristy Pepping:  Let's face it, women have baby showers, babysitting jobs, and may have more general experience when it comes to babies. This is a great book for the dads. There are not as many dad-to-be books out there and this is a good one. Author Kevin Nelson gives new dads an easy read with step by step instructions about becoming a father.

    Pregnancy: The BEST Pregnancy Handbook for First Time Moms and Dads

    Gina I.:  If you’re looking for a thorough and informative guide to pregnancy that’s not textbook length, this book by Cassandra Paterson is the perfect resource. From addressing myths about pregnancy to providing practical tips on how to stay healthy for those 9 months, this book is a helpful guide and an easy read.

Primary photo:   Andrew Itaga on Unsplash

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