What to Expect When You're Expecting (Revised Edition)
by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg
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If you have to read one book on pregnancy, do yourself a favor and pick a different one than What to Expect. If you have lots of time on your hands and want to read several books, go ahead and read this one too. The general tone of this book is alarmist and condescending. Unless, of course, you planned the conception perfectly (Why, you and your partner didn't even take Tylenol while trying to get pregnant!), your diet during pregnancy is a model that the USDA would be proud of, you wouldn't dre...more
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This book was good for me, but not great. I liked how it was organized and the amount of information concerning each stage of pregnancy. However, I was disappointed in it for a few reasons as well. First, I have had 2 different pregnancy risks, both of which are a matter of life and death for the baby. Neither one is mentioned anywhere in the book, even though both are quite common and I can find plenty of information on the web about them. Second, it can sometimes seem like an alarmist boo...more
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When I was pregnant with my first child, I picked up nearly every book on the bookstore shelves having to do with pregnancy and childbirth. I wanted comfort, a friend in the form of a book, a companion to hold my hand and let me know everything was going to be okay.
This book was not that friend.
Instead, everytime I read this book, I found myself getting more and more agitated. It exposed me to almost TOO much information, verging on the point of overload. You know how medical students ...more
This book was not that friend.
Instead, everytime I read this book, I found myself getting more and more agitated. It exposed me to almost TOO much information, verging on the point of overload. You know how medical students ...more
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Read in December, 2007
I seem to disagree with most of the reviews of this book.
This book got me through my pregnancy. Period.
I wasn't overwhelmed by the amount of information; instead I found it to be the only friendly, comforting book out there. While other books were telling me that if I'd had a glass of wine before I knew I was pregnant, my child would have extra limbs and no face, What to Expect... reminded me how minute the chances actually were. When the my overly clinical other books told me ...more
This book got me through my pregnancy. Period.
I wasn't overwhelmed by the amount of information; instead I found it to be the only friendly, comforting book out there. While other books were telling me that if I'd had a glass of wine before I knew I was pregnant, my child would have extra limbs and no face, What to Expect... reminded me how minute the chances actually were. When the my overly clinical other books told me ...more
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Meh, it's okay. Certainly comprehensive but there is a core conservatism running through this book and a kindly yet pedantic quality to the writing that bugs me a little. It's old-fashioned but it will answer most questions reasonably well if briefly. There is a lack of depth to many topics. Nothing runs to more than a paragraph or two but every little weird thing will be covered. Examples of the conservatism I mentioned: there is no section on single-parenting, only a disclaimer that the book d...more
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recommended to Rachel by:
For some reason it's very popular?
recommends it for: People who like a lot of information and are not easily frightened
recommends it for: People who like a lot of information and are not easily frightened
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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If you are expecting, I recommend not reading this one. Instead go for 'Spiritual Midwifery' by Ina May Gaskin;
'Babies, Breastfeeding, and Bonding' also by Ina May Gaskin; 'The Natural Pregnancy Book' by Aviva Jill Romm; 'Mother Rising: The Blessingway Journey Into Motherhood' by Yana Cortlund, Barb Lucke, and Donna Miller Watelet; and 'Mothering Magazine's Having a Baby, Naturally' by Peggy O'Mara.
I also recommend getting a subscription to both 'Mothering Magazine' and 'The Mother Magaz...more
'Babies, Breastfeeding, and Bonding' also by Ina May Gaskin; 'The Natural Pregnancy Book' by Aviva Jill Romm; 'Mother Rising: The Blessingway Journey Into Motherhood' by Yana Cortlund, Barb Lucke, and Donna Miller Watelet; and 'Mothering Magazine's Having a Baby, Naturally' by Peggy O'Mara.
I also recommend getting a subscription to both 'Mothering Magazine' and 'The Mother Magaz...more
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Read in April, 1997
I, more than anyone, always like to know absolutely everything about what's going on inside of me. This was especially true during the three times I was inhabited by others. Yet this book scared the bejeesus out of me. I should have read it only if I had a reason to believe my child would be born with spina bifida, or a cleft palate, or a heart defect, or fetal alcohol syndrome. I understand that the trio of authors of the book are trying to encourage the healthiest outcome for all pregnanci...more
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This book has a mixed reaction from moms--some feel that it can be too strict at times in terms of diet and exercise. However, I really enjoyed the book and took the pregnancy diet tips as tips, not ultimatiums. As a first-time mom, this book had helpful question and answer sections for each month that encouraged me.
What to Expect answers questions such as what to watch out for when you are pregnant, tips for buying a layette set and how to help you and your husband bond with the newborn. I...more
What to Expect answers questions such as what to watch out for when you are pregnant, tips for buying a layette set and how to help you and your husband bond with the newborn. I...more
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in December, 2006
For the most part, I recommend ignoring this book if you can. I found it frustrating because it has a definite agenda, but it tries to cover it up. If you pay attention while reading it, you'll notice that if the author thinks something is a good idea but no science supports the idea, you'll be told, "Well, it couldn't hurt." If the author disagrees with a premise and no scientific studies have come to a conclusion, you get, "Don't do it. Better safe than sorry." Completely c...more
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Read in January, 1997
I read this book when I was pregnant with my son (who's almost 10! Time flying, etc.) I know it's popular to slam this book, but it was a vast improvement over the books that came before it. As long as you ignore the diet advice (hey, I usually do!). Still, it had good solid advice and I liked it fine. It was a bit of a ground-breaker for books that came after it, so I don't know that I would say it is even close to the best information around now. Lots of better information available online,...more
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Read in January, 1999
recommended to Kirsten by:
Tricarerecommends it for: moms to be, expectant moms and dads
Book Rated: G I loved this book. I liked the way it's organized so that I could use it as a quick reference. I would not recommend it as a good read from cover to cover... I don't believe it's written that way, but reading ahead into the month you are coming up to was a great way to read it. I found it so much more helpful than many of the doctors and nurses I used!!
WARNING: Do not read this book if you are prone to worry about the "what ifs" of pregnancy. Some moms are stressed...more
WARNING: Do not read this book if you are prone to worry about the "what ifs" of pregnancy. Some moms are stressed...more
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Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
nobody
How do I give this zero stars? This book should be called "What to Freak Out About When You're Expecting" and, unfortunately, goes hand-in-hand with TLC's "Baby Story" for gross negligence in maternity "infotainment." It addresses everything that could possibly "go wrong" or be of concern, emphasizing rare "high risk" complications that do NOT effect the VAST majority of women. Rather than explaining normal, healthy pregnancy in a positive and r...more
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Read in January, 1993
It may be appropriate to read these books as an introduction to pregnancy and birth, but you must not stop here!
The books in this series may be helpful if you know absolutely nothing about how pregnancy and birth are managed in mainstream America, or if you hate asking questions from your doctor. But in my opinion, there are many, many books out there that educate and prepare women to understand, deal with and manage their pregnancies and births as partners with their health care providers,...more
The books in this series may be helpful if you know absolutely nothing about how pregnancy and birth are managed in mainstream America, or if you hate asking questions from your doctor. But in my opinion, there are many, many books out there that educate and prepare women to understand, deal with and manage their pregnancies and births as partners with their health care providers,...more
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Apparently, not many people like this one. I think it's a great book! It does cover anything you'd want to know about pregnancy, the testing they do, etc. I know most people find the diet harsh, but honestly, with my second baby, I'm much more concerned with what I'm eating and I find it easy to follow. Yes, there is a lot of info, but you don't have to think "this is in the book, so it will happen to me!" In most cases, when they discuss odd things, they tell you who is most at risk. ...more
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Read in March, 2008
This is my second read through of this book and still found some helpful tips and insights. I enjoy the question & answer format and the month-by-month guides of what to expect your practitioner to check at each visit and how your baby is changing month-by-month. I also appreciate that the book doesn't end with the birth, but explores newborn care.
I have to be honest, though the What to Expect diet sounds very healthy it isn't very realistic in terms of ingredients used, or prep times...more
I have to be honest, though the What to Expect diet sounds very healthy it isn't very realistic in terms of ingredients used, or prep times...more
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Bleah. I agree with the idea of giving pregnant women a month-by-month list of things to expect, but honestly, this book is SO alarmist that it made me more nervous than reassured about my first pregnancy! (I barely cracked it at all during my second.) And DO NOT, under any circumstances, read the appendices at the back about unusual illnesses, problems, or what to do when things go horribly wrong. Chances are that your pregnancy won't go horribly wrong, in which case you'll have made yourself u...more
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Even though every mother-to-be will receive this book as soon as she announces she's pregnant, it's not the best book out there. It does cover a lot of good information, but it focuses entirely on the negatives of pregnancy. It does not include a week by week description, only month by month and the information is mostly contained in answers to common questions like, "I'm feeling... is this normal?" or "Should I be concerned about...?" I prefer pregnancy books that first expl...more
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This is the book everyone seems to grab when they are pregnant, and while it does have some good info on development for each month, it is definitely not my first choice for preparing a woman for what will happen in pregnancy and childbirth. It is very medically oriented, with plenty of material to scare an expecting mom. I would recommend books that lean toward natural options, preparing to have a peaceful and positive birthing experience, and helping the mother to gain confidence as she prep...more
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Read in January, 2007
If they would have titled this book, 'What to Expect When You're Expecting a Baby with Colic,' I would've found it much more useful. The little stinker is now 6 months old and to say the book did little to prepare me is a gross understatement. I would say it caused more confusion, concern, and apprehension about my pregnancy and that whole labor-and-delivery thing. I don't believe my pregnancy was typical in any way, shape, or form and the first six months has basically followed suit. Future...more
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