What to Expect When You're Expecting: 4th Edition

This is a great book to have when you're expecting! I used a former edition with my other pregnancies so I was already familiar with the series. I needed an updated version to use especially with all the changes there are now. This book should not be used as a substitute for a doctor but it's terrific when your doctor refers to something and you can reference it in the book. As to the comments that this book will scare a pregnant woman - it has a wealth of information in it, which not all of it applies to every pregnancy. I would rather be informed and knowledgeable than never have known. I highly recommend the book!

During my first pregnancy, I received three copies of this book from friends who had had babies. I consumed it, reading every word on every page. And then I WORRIED. What if I wasn't eating right? What if one of the complications listed happened to me? What if my placenta is in the wrong place?! I was a neurotic mess. The more I knew of the various possibilities within my pregnancy, the more worried and neurotic I became. I eventually passed the three books on to a thrift store. Five years later I was pregnant again. No one gave me the book. I missed it--I wanted to know how big my baby was each week, what I should be doing, what I should be watchful for. I couldn't remember anything I had read last time. I went out and bought the book. I no longer worried. I read it all again. It was a wonderful way to focus on the pregnancy, my body, the baby. It was just what I needed.

I haven't made it past the first chapter yet but it seems great so far! The first introductory part refers to later chapters that are dedicated to the subjects they're mentioning. This book is LOADED with information fortunately I have a few months to finish it before my baby comes. :) The scholar in me wishes they actually noted the specific references to some of the studies the mention. Perhaps they were trying to keep it a very easy, non-academic read.

Well I got this big book the first week I found out I was pregnant. 2 months later I started to read it and I finished 1/2 of it on the first reading. The book to me we just ok, I could have lived without. Alot of the book just dont apply to 99.9% of us.

Knowing what to expect made me less anxious and more in control of my pregnancy. I particularly appreciated the chapter on how to choose an obstetrician. I gave it four stars because of its extreme advice on caffeine avoidance.