The books we read about pregnancy can make a huge difference to our experience of pregnancy and childbirth.

Some books are quite popular and enjoyed by many, but they don’t go as deep or as wide as they should. They provide some information but don’t leave a woman feeling wiser, more confident or more empowered.

The consequences of reading inadequate information is that you may end up feeling completely unprepared or even fearful of what lies ahead.

By choosing to read the best pregnancy books available, you can totally rock your pregnancy!

There aren’t as many pregnancy books on the market as there are birth or parenting. But all you need is at least one great book to read and you’ll be set.

4 Best Pregnancy Books

Here are the four best pregnancy books that BellyBelly recommends.

Don’t forget to buy some awesome birth books too – it’s so important! Check out BellyBelly’s recommended birth books.

Best Pregnancy Books #1: The New Pregnancy & Birth

For pregnancy and birth, you just can’t go past world renown (and sadly late) Sheila Kitzinger.

The New Pregnancy & Childbirth is a classic for all new parents. This book inspires, informs and reassures. From conception through to birth, Sheila Kitzinger describes what to expect, and prepares parents-to-be for the physical changes ahead.

The New Pregnancy & Birth includes information on caesarean births, the birthing sling, sex during pregnancy, and nutrition. It encourages expectant parents to be actively involved in decisions about their antenatal care and birth method.

Also see Sheila’s other book, The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth.

Best Pregnancy Books #2: The Pregnancy Book: A Month By Month Guide

America’s foremost baby and childcare experts tell you what to expect, month by month, from conception through birth. Doctor Bill and Martha Sears are pediatrics specialists whose books on birth, babies, and parenting have become widely praised bestsellers. They teamed up with one of America’s leading obstetricians. The result: the definitive book on pregnancy for expectant parents today.

The Pregnancy Book explains what is occurring in the womb step by step, helping you to appreciate why your body behaves the way it does — and why you feel the way you do. In this uniquely authoritative and comprehensive guide, you’ll find the following topics:

How your baby is growing, as well as how you may be changing, both physically and emotionally
Concerns and questions you may have about tests, technology and genetic counselling,
Childbirth options
Bonding with your pre-born baby
Essential information on eating right for two
How to protect the womb environment and recognise potential household hazards
Advice on working while pregnant – from informing your boss to dressing for the job
Exercising and keeping fit during your pregnancy
Selecting a childbirth class
Helpful tips on everything from traveling while pregnant to overcoming morning sickness
and much more

The Pregnancy Book includes a detailed special section on labor and birth, a glossary of obstetrical terms, and a chapter covering the tenth month. The Pregnancy Book is an unrivalled source of information, counsel, and comfort for every prospective parent.

Best Pregnancy Books #3: Pregnancy, Childbirth and The Newborn

From authors Penny Simkin, et al, Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn is one of the bestselling pregnancy books on the market. With more than one million copies in print and many awards to its name, it’s definitely one for the best pregnancy books list! This comprehensive, authoritative “bible” provides expectant couples with abundant, valuable information about pregnancy, labour, birth, the postpartum period, and newborn care.

This award-winning book presents the latest research-based information on pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood, including:

New information on complementary-medicine approaches such as acupuncture
Updated information on interventions during childbirth
Revised statistics and discussions on cesarean birth and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
New advice on informed decision-making, one of the hottest topics in maternity care today
Plus much, much more!

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn has a reader-friendly design, including photos, illustrations, and boxed features that highlight important information. There are fun and informative sidebars, such as “common Q&As” about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. “In Their Own Words,” is a feature in which parents describe their pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting experiences from their point of view. “Fact or Fiction?” is another feature in which the book’s authors present common misinformation and the facts.

Best Pregnancy Books #4: The Encyclopedia of Pregnancy and Birth by Janet Balaskas and Yehudi Gordon

A complete self help guide to active birth and early parenthood, including an A to Z of modern obstetrics.

This book is unique in that it is co-written by two natural childbirth pioneers, Janet Balaskas and Yehudi Gordon. Yehudi is the groundbreaking consultant obstetrician who has pioneered the concept of integrated practise. Both authors are pioneers of the Active Birth Movement.

This book discusses the natural physiology of pregnancy and birth and acknowledges of the huge emotional changes involved in this challenging journey. The authors discuss the benefit of modern science as back up or choice, as well as complementary care with alternative therapies.

This invaluable resource is a unique, illustrated parents’ guide to: