As a paediatric doctor, I thought I was fairly prepared for having a baby. However, there was so much more to learn. So I’ve rounded up my top 5 books that I love, and hope that every pregnant lady has an opportunity to read. When I choose a book, I’m looking for information to come from an expert. I check their qualifications so that I know that their advice is credible. My top 5 books are all written by experts, and share knowledge in a digestible format with lots of practical tips to help you during your pregnancy and beyond.
The Day-by-day Pregnancy Book, Dr Maggie Blott et al.
Written by a panel of experts, this book is really comprehensive, giving you a day to day update on your body and growing baby. There are lots of colour photos, and detailed information about pregnancy. Included are statistics most relevant to a UK audience. Also included is a section on the different stages of labour. This would make a perfect companion or even substitute to antenatal classes. It’s quite pricey, but an investment for your pregnancy.
Your pregnancy week by week, what to expect from conception to birth, Professor Lesley Regan
Obstetric doctor, Professor Lesely Regan provides an incredibly factual and informative book about your pregnancy and the development of your baby. It is easy to see why this is a best seller, packed with scans and coloured images. The book is well ordered although isn’t truly written as ‘week by week’ instead grouping weeks together, but this does not detract from the wealth of information including medical explanations.
