The Pregnancy Bible combines the knowledge and experience of medical specialists and family doctors -- all under the direction of practicing and widely published obstetricians.

It follows the complete sequence of fetal development in utero week by week. Each step is illustrated with full color photography -- many of which are life-size. Dozens of step-by-step illustrations help make the many aspects of infant care easier to master.

In-depth and highly readable information covers:<ul> <li>Nutrition and exercise <li>Cesarean section <li>Planning for a home birth <li>Options for pain relief <li>Prenatal and postpartum care <li>Coping with emotional changes <li>Taking care of newborns <li>Preparing a safe environment at home

Quick reference gatefold spreads help keep track of important tests and check-ups for each trimester. Included is an in-depth directory of specialized tests and procedures available for both mother and child.

The Pregnancy Bible is an extensive, accessible, up-to-the-minute sourcebook of everything expecting parents need to know, combining the knowledge and experience of many medical specialists and healthcare providers.

Unlike many pregnancy books, this one has plenty of helpful information for the mother's partner, including ways to deal with vicious mood swings, helpful tips for preparing for childbirth class, and seven tricks for easing her labor pain--even if she's threatening that you'll never have sex again. Besides chapter after chapter of information about pregnancy's physical aspects and how to stay comfortable during the next 40 weeks, there's also plenty of advice on emotional issues--from learning how to say "hands off!" to the pesky people who want to rub your belly to coping with postpartum blues. Some readers may be offended by the book's slightly warped sense of humor (example: "breast engorgement really sucks"), but the authors never treat serious topics in an off-base way. The book's definitely geared toward first-time parents, but for moms and dads confused by the many new medical tests and modern options (such as the doula [pregnancy coach] dilemma or decision to freeze the baby's umbilical cord or not), there's a fine education to be had between this book's covers.

Unlike many pregnancy books, this one has plenty of helpful information for the mother's partner, including ways to deal with vicious mood swings, helpful tips for preparing for childbirth class, and seven tricks for easing her labor pain--even if she's threatening that you'll never have sex again. Besides chapter after chapter of information about pregnancy's physical aspects and how to stay comfortable during the next 40 weeks, there's also plenty of advice on emotional issues--from learning how to say "hands off!" to the pesky people who want to rub your belly to coping with postpartum blues. Some readers may be offended by the book's slightly warped sense of humor (example: "breast engorgement really sucks"), but the authors never treat serious topics in an off-base way. The book's definitely geared toward first-time parents, but for moms and dads confused by the many new medical tests and modern options (such as the doula [pregnancy coach] dilemma or decision to freeze the baby's umbilical cord or not), there's a fine education to be had between this book's covers.

Unlike many pregnancy books, this one has plenty of helpful information for the mother's partner, including ways to deal with vicious mood swings, helpful tips for preparing for childbirth class, and seven tricks for easing her labor pain--even if she's threatening that you'll never have sex again. Besides chapter after chapter of information about pregnancy's physical aspects and how to stay comfortable during the next 40 weeks, there's also plenty of advice on emotional issues--from learning how to say "hands off!" to the pesky people who want to rub your belly to coping with postpartum blues. Some readers may be offended by the book's slightly warped sense of humor (example: "breast engorgement really sucks"), but the authors never treat serious topics in an off-base way. The book's definitely geared toward first-time parents, but for moms and dads confused by the many new medical tests and modern options (such as the doula [pregnancy coach] dilemma or decision to freeze the baby's umbilical cord or not), there's a fine education to be had between this book's covers.

The Pregnancy Bible combines the knowledge and experience of medical specialists and family doctors -- all under the direction of practicing and widely published obstetricians.

It follows the complete sequence of fetal development in utero week by week. Each step is illustrated with full color photography -- many of which are life-size. Dozens of step-by-step illustrations help make the many aspects of infant care easier to master.

In-depth and highly readable information covers:<ul> <li>Nutrition and exercise <li>Cesarean section <li>Planning for a home birth <li>Options for pain relief <li>Prenatal and postpartum care <li>Coping with emotional changes <li>Taking care of newborns <li>Preparing a safe environment at home

Quick reference gatefold spreads help keep track of important tests and check-ups for each trimester. Included is an in-depth directory of specialized tests and procedures available for both mother and child.

The Pregnancy Bible is an extensive, accessible, up-to-the-minute sourcebook of everything expecting parents need to know, combining the knowledge and experience of many medical specialists and healthcare providers.

This updated edition includes authoritative information about the latest developments on a number of significant issues affecting the well-being of an expectant mother and her baby. Specifically, these include:

The Pregnancy Bible covers the complete sequence of fetal development in utero week by week. Each stage is illustrated with full color photography. Many photos are life-size and reproduced from state-of-the-art ultrasound images. The book also uses step-by-step illustrations, sidebars, practical suggestions, topics to discuss, checklist charts, quick-reference gatefold spreads, check-up calendars, a directory and other easy-to-access information and advice to guide expectant parents through the pregnancy, birth and early infancy.

American Reference Books Annual praised The Pregnancy Bible for its "easy-to-understand style that will especially appeal to first-time parents." It is an essential addition to public and consumer health library collections and one that customers will request by name.

Unlike many pregnancy books, this one has plenty of helpful information for the mother's partner, including ways to deal with vicious mood swings, helpful tips for preparing for childbirth class, and seven tricks for easing her labor pain--even if she's threatening that you'll never have sex again. Besides chapter after chapter of information about pregnancy's physical aspects and how to stay comfortable during the next 40 weeks, there's also plenty of advice on emotional issues--from learning how to say "hands off!" to the pesky people who want to rub your belly to coping with postpartum blues. Some readers may be offended by the book's slightly warped sense of humor (example: "breast engorgement really sucks"), but the authors never treat serious topics in an off-base way. The book's definitely geared toward first-time parents, but for moms and dads confused by the many new medical tests and modern options (such as the doula [pregnancy coach] dilemma or decision to freeze the baby's umbilical cord or not), there's a fine education to be had between this book's covers.