Dubbed as America’s Pregnancy Bible, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is the #1 best-selling pregnancy book on the market. But is it really worth your time? I have read nearly every page of my own copy and I feel a review of its contents will be valuable to you.
It certainly has a catchy title; appealing to first-time moms, especially. I admit when I was first pregnant it’s one of the first things I looked for at the bookstore. Over an inch thick, it’s weight and breadth of information can be daunting in the beginning.
But then you never really knew there was so much to learn about being pregnant.
What To Expect When You’re Expecting - Review
The author, Heidi Murkoff, simply coined the idea for a complete resource when she herself was pregnant. Although supported by famous medical doctors, she herself is not any sort of licensed practitioner.
It covers many different aspects of pregnancy, breaking things down even to week by week scenarios. Every possible symptom or situation a pregnant mother my feel or ask about is considered. The table of contents is quite complex, but thorough.
Get Your Copy of What To Expect When You’re Expecting Today
What To Expect - Table of Contents
Part 1 - First Things First
- Before You Conceive
- Prep for Moms & Dads
- Are You Pregnant?
- What You May Be wondering About
- Choosing and Working with Your Practitioner
- Your Pregnancy Profile
- Your Gynecological History
- Your Obstetrical History
- Your Medical History
- Prenatal Diagnosis
- First & Second Trimesters
- Your Pregnancy Lifestyle
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Nine Months of Eating Well
Part 2 - Nine Months & Counting
- The First (Second, etc.) Month (*All month chapters contain the first four following sections)
- Your Baby This Month
- What You May Be Feeling
- What You Can Expect at This Month’s Checkup
- What You May Be Wondering About
- Your Pampered Pregnancy
- Weight Gain During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy on the Job
- Exercise During Pregnancy
- Sex and the Pregnant Woman
- Childbirth Education
- Easing Labor Pain
- Breastfeeding
- Prelabor, False Labor, Real Labor
- Labor & Delivery
- Childbirth
- Stage One: Labor
- Stage Two: Pushing and Delivery
- Stage Three: Delivery of the Placenta
Part 3 - Twins Triplets & More
- Expecting More Than One
Part 4 - After the Baby is Born
- Postpartum: The First Week
- Getting Started Breastfeeding
- Postpartum: The First 6 Weeks
- Getting Back Into Shape
Part 5 - For Dads
Part 6 - Staying Healthy When You’re Expecting
- If You Get Sick
- Medications During Pregnancy
- If You Have A Chronic Condition
Part 7 - The Complicated Pregnancy
- Managing a Complicated Pregnancy
- If You’re Put on Bedrest
- Coping With Pregnancy Loss
I do like reading about each week of development about the baby, imagining what they look like inside and being able to compare their size to any reference she makes, i.e. You’re baby is the size of a grape right now. There are few visuals throughout the book that show the size in relation to a mother’s belly, but that it. 99% of the book is text, a LOT of reading.
But one thing I do like is that she presents all sorts of symptoms a mother may be experiencing and why. Not every mother has the same symptoms as the next, but she covers all angles.
One thing I don’t like is the fact that all of her claims and reasons for things aren’t sourced. She’ll state something like: “Research shows….” and then never give her source, ALL through the book. There are no references whatsoever.
All the methods for pain relief and delivery techniques she discusses are traditional western medicine too. There is no education on natural methods and how to prepare for them. But helping a young mother understand what is going on inside her body and ‘what to expect’ is very clear and represented well.
Other People’s Thought on What To Expect
I’ve read many comments about how the tone is condescending to readers. I never got that impression when I was first reading it. But thinking back on it now, I can see their point of view. The language is in a manner as if a wise old mother hen is educating her young little on something it knows nothing about.
Here are some current reviews on the book that I acquired as of this post writing.
Courtesy of Amazon.com
Pros & Cons
So here are the things I feel are positive aspects about What To Expect When You’re Expecting.
- weekly breakdown of baby’s growth
- monthly pregnancy expectations
- all symptoms a mother may experience are explained
- stages of delivery explained
- help on how to choose a doctor
- answers to hundreds of questions you may have
- expanding on multiple topics like breastfeeding and postpartum
- education about problems that may arise during a pregnancy or birth
- physical conditions a mother may have that need attention
- consideration for a father’s point of view is helpful for any man not having experienced a pregnant wife
Then there are negative aspects I don’t particularly care for about What To Expect When You’re Expecting.
- no consideration to alternative methods or techniques
- natural pain control and preparation isn’t discussed
- legitimate sources aren’t presented
- explanations are very lengthy
- very simple ideas for exercise and coping presented that don’t provide full benefit
- lacks engaging imagery
In conclusion, I believe that What To Expect When You’re Expecting does hold some value. In a general sense, it meets the needs of the new pregnant mother about basic and in-depth education for what she will experience. I learned a lot from my own copy and I still reference it on occasion.
It will not give you reliable instruction on how to have a natural baby birth successfully. And maybe you’re not looking for that, which is fine; everyone has their own preference.
But it does hold true to its name-you will learn what to expect in great detail about your pregnancy and every stage of it. It may answer many questions, but I don’t feel that it is personable enough to create a full sense of accomplishment for you as you take these steps in your journey.
All in all, I rate it 3/5 stars. For less than ten bucks, it’s a good investment for a general reference.
You can find What To Expect When You’re Expecting quite easily by using my link below.
Get Your Copy of What To Expect When You’re Expecting Today
What do you think about this book? It certainly has a lot of hype in the pregnancy world. But do YOU think it deserves it? Let me know and I look forward to hearing from you.
- $9
Hi Sarah,
I have thoroughly enjoyed your site. I am very much an advocate of all natural anything:-). It is hard for me to believe, but I too had a copy of this book when I was pregnant many, many years ago. I was very young at the time and it was so informative to me back then. I would definitely recommend based on the cost and I know a new mom would get a lot out of it. Thank you for sharing.
I appreciate your feedback, Kellie. I also like how it has tons of information about various situations with almost any mother’s symptoms and circumstances. Feel free to share this with any of your loved ones. Thanks!
Very useful info here to know about, and is great for us men to know about one of the most important and life changing events you will experience having a child. Wonderful website and will be visiting back
Regards
Kevin.
Thank you for taking initiative, Kevin. If you ever have any questions or need help with anything, I am here for you and your loved ones. Best!
My wife had this book when we had our son, and I agree with you “It gives you the basics on what to expect”. The fact that they don’t talk about natural pain killers, is just typical these days. The sad thing is that people are given prescription medicine, and don’t seek alternative medicine which does not have side effects. People need to open their eyes up to the fact that the medical profession and pharmacy’s is making billions of dollars out of us. I found a great website for Natural remedies, it’s called Native Remedies dot com.
I know, Craig, it’s a lopsided world of health. I currently work in an industry that tests for genetic diseases and collaborates with pharmaceutical companies for clinical trials. And I have seen studies and data that show benefit to a small number of patients in certain cases. So in that respect, I believe modern medicine to be a great boon at times; but certainly NOT in most cases, especially long term.
I believe in natural prevention first and foremost, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have Tylenol in my cupboard. I’ll visit this Native Remedies site, it sounds great. Thank you for sharing Craig. Have a nice day!
Great review!
I just gave birth to twin girls, and this time around I actually didn’t read any baby books beforehand.
But with my firstborn, Lucas, I had this very book to prepare me for the road ahead.
Have a great day!
Cheers
Karina
What is your opinion of it then, Karina? I’d like to hear other’s likes and dislikes about it. Congrats on your little girls! Gems! Thanks for your comment.
I didn’t realize there was so much to think about while expecting a baby, and no wonder the books are so thick lol.
I will certainly pass this post on to a friend who is currently expecting because it will definitely help her.
Thanks. Neil
I appreciate the share Neil. Let them know I’m here to help. Thanks for your comment!
My wife just had our son and I spent many hours researching online about natural or alternative ways to help her out with her pregnancy. I am not a big fan of traditional western medicine so it’s hard to find all the answers. I guess as a husband, my best remedy for her pains of pregnancy is just being there to jump at a moments notice to give her whatever she needs when she needs it. Thanks for reviewing this as it may be helpful with our next child.
Congratulations on your little boy! You’re absolutely right about just being there for your wife when she needs you. Your wife is truly a blessed person to have you in her life. Usually that is the only thing that a birthing mother really needs, is just someone (the husband) to be supportive and helpful.
I do still reference it myself and I’ve been there and back twice now. It seems there’s always something I’ve forgotten about pregnancy especially because there truly is SO much to know.
Thank you for your comments Seth. Be sure to visit when you’re expecting your next one.
You’ve written a great and thorough review. I appreciate what you have presented. I like that you included the table of contents and some opinions from the “outside”. Nice work!
I felt having the bulk of the table of contents would truly show how much is really in this book. I did leave out a number of things too just for length’s sake. Thanks for your comment, Matt.
Helpful review, I think I might check it out, but that one review about the book giving her nightmares is kind of scary. Does it have anything that worrying in it?
I mentioned in another comment in this thread….it really just comes down to what will worry you. I think that reviewer may have meant the information about complications and risky things that can happen in a small number of pregnancies is what probably caused her to worry.
I know that I certainly worried about a number of things as a first time mother, and then I learned that there’s really not much to worry about at all, it just takes the experience of it. I tell new mothers to not dig into those things because they most likely will never apply to them when they’re taking care of themselves through diet and exercise. If something does need to be addressed, your doctor will know the proper steps to take.
I hope that helps, Mel. Let me know if you have any other questions or comments. Thanks!
Hello Sara, it seems like you can find an answer to every question you might have. It is probably a good investment. Marie
And it’s only $9, so yes, that’s why I still recommend it. Thanks, Marie.
I also read this book with my first baby. I did get valuable information from it, but it also did scare me to death. Every one’s experience is different and one book cannot sum up everything.
I think when a first time mom reads ALL the details about things that can go wrong or complications with a pregnancy, it certainly will get the anxiety rolling. But I just suggest to ANY new mom to not every read those sections unless you know that they specifically apply to you. If your pregnancy is low risk and your doctor indicates no issues or concerns, then there’s no need to learn about the minuscule ‘what if’s’. Thanks for your comment!
Sarah,
WOW! Nice job on the review of the book! You went into great detail in the review: pros and cons, the table of contents, other’s comments, etc. Nice work! Keep it up.
Thanks,
Doug
Thanks, Doug. Hope to help anyone who is considering buying it. Feel free to share, thanks!
I was looking for a book on pregnancy for my niece (and godchild) for obvious reasons. Found this site instead, so I’ll bookmark it. Might buy the book too.
Let you niece know that I am here to help with anything she may have questions on. I highly recommend Dr. Bradley’s book that I’ve also reviewed. Thanks for your comment, Eoin.
hey sarah this book wouldn’t be for me as I am a guy, I think you gave it a fair review and set the page out nicely , good work , and the added reviews from other readers is a bonus
Thanks Rob. Feel free to share with others that you feel may find it helpful.
Very nice break down of this book, I know my wife bought a copy when we were having our boy and she really enjoyed it!
Excellent! I still hang onto mine even though it’s not well worn. Glad your wife enjoyed it, Ryan.