Finding the best books for expecting moms can be such a relief during your pregnancy. It is an excellent way to learn about your growing body and baby and tips to help prepare for your pregnancy and the following stages after your baby is born.
As a Springfield, MO maternity and newborn photographer, I have talked with 1000s of local parents. These are their favorite books and resources to help throughout pregnancy.
I have gathered the top 9 recommended books for expecting moms.
Top 9 Recommended Books For Expecting Moms
1. What To Expect When You Are Expecting
What To Expect When You are Expecting By Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel was the book I read when I was pregnant with my first. It is one of the most-read pregnancy books; some studies say it is read by over 80% of expecting parents and even has a movie made after it. This book can be fun to turn to each new month and read about what was happening with my body and baby. It is also perfect to use as odd pregnancy symptoms arise with various aches, pains, and signs and symptoms to learn what is expected, when to be concerned, and how to help them.
2. What To Expect The First Year
What To Expect The First Year By Heidi Murkoff is a companion book to What To Expect When You Are Expecting. It is written similarly, divided up into months to learn about new milestones to look for. You also learn about finger foods, feeding schedules and developmental cues during that first year.
3. Mayo Clinic Guide To Pregnancy
Mayo Clinic Guide To Pregnancy breaks down baby’s growth by week and mom’s changing body by month. It also includes a 40-week pregnancy calendar, symptom guide, and more. It has been highly respected since doctors wrote this book at the Mayo Clinic.
4. The Girlfriends Guide To Pregnancy
Many pregnancy books are stiff and feel more like reading a textbook, but The Girlfriends Guide To Pregnancy By Vicki Lovine reads like a confident BFF who knows all the ins and outs of pregnancy dos and don’t hilariously and directly. It offers brutal honesty with reassurance while talking about common insecurities that may come up during pregnancy.
The Fourth Trimester By Kimberly Ann Johnson is a postpartum guide to healing your body, balancing your emotions, and restoring your vitality. I have not personally read this book after my kids, but I wish I had! The most common difficulty so many moms have (including me!) is that no one talks about them after having a baby. There is SO much that goes into healing yourself. This book explores what you may do ahead of time to prepare and ways to reduce stress on your body.
6. Baby’s Eat Sleep And Poop Journal, Logbook
Before having a baby, I NEVER thought I would log how much a person eats, sleep, and poops, but when I was holding my firstborn baby, it became necessary. Some people use apps or notebooks, but journals are super helpful for me. It was super helpful in the early days, like your days and nights run together in a sleepless haze. It was super handy to have on hand for their pediatrician.
7. Expecting Better: Why The Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong and What You Need To Know
Expecting Better: Why The Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong and What you need to know by Emily Oster takes a no-nonsense approach that cuts your anxiety about pregnancy by debunking myths and breaking down the “rules.” And offering honest advice for a relaxed and peaceful pregnancy. It talks about the science of standard “rules” and myths so you can decide for yourself how you want to approach your pregnancy.
8. What No One Tells You: A Guide To Your Emotions From Pregnancy and Motherhood
What No One Tells You: A Guide To Your Emotions From Pregnancy and Motherhood by Dr. Alexandra Sacks and Dr. Cathrine Birndorf is different from so many others because instead of focusing on your developing baby and your body, it talks about the profound mental changes that come from becoming a mother and no longer responsible for yourself. It talks about the typical experience many moms feel about the complex emotions that come.
The Belly Book by Amy K isn’t necessarily a medical need-to-know pregnancy book but offers a nine-month journal for you to reflect on. Pregnancy is such a short time. It can be amazing to have a designated book to see what you experienced throughout your pregnancy. It can also be a great resource if you have future children to reflect on what you experienced.
These are the best books for expecting moms and offer an excellent resource to help guide you during your pregnancy.
Are you looking for a photographer to capture your pregnancy journey?
Hello! I am a photographer based in Springfield MO, specializing in capturing expecting parents from pregnancy through their baby’s first year. I help with everything from finding the perfect outfit to location, planning, preparation, and more! There is even a motherhood client closet you are welcome to borrow from! Whether you are looking for an individual maternity session or a bundle of maternity, newborn, and milestone sessions, I have something for you! Click HERE for more information on working together.
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