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Bumpology: The Myth-Busting Pregnancy Book for Curious Parents-To-Be
From award-winning science journalist Linda Geddes, a fascinating and practical companion for expectant parents that makes sense of conflicting advice about pregnancy, birth, and raising babies.
Can I eat peanuts during pregnancy?
Do unborn babies dream?
Can men get pregnancy symptoms too?
How much do babies remember?
How can I get my baby to sleep through the night?
The moment she discovers she’s pregnant, every woman suddenly has a million questions about the life that’s developing inside her. Linda Geddes was no different, except that as a journalist writing for New Scientist magazine she had access to the most up-to-date scientific research. What began as a personal quest to find the truth behind headlines and information that didn’t patronize or confuse is now a brilliant new book. In Bumpology , Geddes discusses the latest research on every topic that expectant parents encounter, from first pregnancy symptoms to pregnancy diet, the right birth plan, and a baby’s first year.
Can I eat peanuts during pregnancy?
Do unborn babies dream?
Can men get pregnancy symptoms too?
How much do babies remember?
How can I get my baby to sleep through the night?
The moment she discovers she’s pregnant, every woman suddenly has a million questions about the life that’s developing inside her. Linda Geddes was no different, except that as a journalist writing for New Scientist magazine she had access to the most up-to-date scientific research. What began as a personal quest to find the truth behind headlines and information that didn’t patronize or confuse is now a brilliant new book. In Bumpology , Geddes discusses the latest research on every topic that expectant parents encounter, from first pregnancy symptoms to pregnancy diet, the right birth plan, and a baby’s first year.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
44 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Linda Geddes
15 books13 followersLinda Geddes is a London-based journalist writing about biology, medicine and technology. Born in Cambridge, she graduated from Liverpool University with a first-class degree in Cell Biology. She has worked as both a news editor and reporter for New Scientist magazine, and has received numerous awards for her journalism, including the Association of British Science Writers’ awards for Best Investigative Journalism. She is married with two young children, Matilda and Max. (from http://www.lindageddes.com/biography)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 8, 2025
Informatiivne, teaduslik ja huvitav lugemine. Mõnel hetkel isegi liiga infoküllane, avades uuringute tausta.
April 11, 2013
This book was being promoted/reviewed in the early stages of my own pregnancy and it immediately struck a chord with me. To have some if the many pregnancy myths, that were swirling around everything I read and everyone I spoke to, debunked (or confirmed) seemed wonderfully timely.
Geddes uses actual science to talk about all the things you worry about while carrying and raising children, in fact, the book began its gestation in the form of a regular blog for the New Scientist; something I didn't realise at the time.
I would recommend this book to anyone currently pregnant as well as their partners. The subjects are quirky and interesting and the writing immensely readable. It was a nice distraction to all the other information coming at you while pregnant.
Geddes uses actual science to talk about all the things you worry about while carrying and raising children, in fact, the book began its gestation in the form of a regular blog for the New Scientist; something I didn't realise at the time.
I would recommend this book to anyone currently pregnant as well as their partners. The subjects are quirky and interesting and the writing immensely readable. It was a nice distraction to all the other information coming at you while pregnant.
January 13, 2013
Enjoyable, clear, allows you to reach your own conclusions. Would recommend this to anyone wanting to take a balanced approach and make their own plans rather than following a 'formula'! Linda has come under a lot of criticism for 'encouraging women to drink in pregnancy' which just shows how people don't read or misunderstand scientific reporting' in fact she says there is little evidence showing small amounts of alcohol harm, in part due to a lack of reliable studies. However she at no point advises you what to do, and it is clear from her language there is still some risk. Great book!
January 10, 2024
Useful and easy to read. Nice to be able to go and look up the sources for the claims and read them myself. However, my copy was from 2013 so a little out of date now (I don't know if the book has newer editions with more up to date information).
May 25, 2019
Yeah, nice facts and stats, anyway I’m not into these kind of books and probably that’s it 🤷🏼♀️
August 27, 2020
I was looking for another book about pregnancy that would help address some of my fears and uncertainties about the whole process. I don't have any really intimate experience with pregnancy in others, and certainly not in myself, although that is a goal in the near future, so I figured a bit of education couldn't hurt.
At first, I was a bit skeptical about the format of this book. It's divided into different sections, ranging from what to do before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and then after pregnancy, and following baby development in a fairly general way until about 1 year of age. Within each section, Geddes addresses a number of questions, usually in a really short format, with each section taking only a minute or two to read. As I was initially interested in the process of pregnancy and conception primarily, I was a little miffed when more than half the book was devoted to the baby's birth and development after birth.
However, I ended up really enjoying it. It's written in a way that, if there's a specific question you want answered, you can skip right to the relevant section, and it will have all of the information that you need to at least get an overview of the subject. I didn't have a specific question in mind as much, so I read from start to finish, and found that it wasn't terribly repetitive. There are a number of times that Geddes refers to other chapters, but I found those references easy enough to just skip over and continue with my linear path.
Geddes does take a study-based approach, so she tends not to impose too many value judgments on the sections she covers. I thought she was pretty good about laying out study results and flaws, and then letting the reader draw their own opinions. This does require a bit of scientific knowledge though. My biggest recommendation would be to keep in mind the study size. A lot of the studies she cites had very small sample sizes, and so weren't very helpful. She does often point this out, but I also wanted to highlight it because it can be so misleading. Having read this in full, I was dissatisfied to find just how often the answer basically boils down to 'No one knows, so use your best judgment and be careful.'
I definitely think this is a good one to check out if you're interested in learning more about pregnancy and baby development. It gives a nice overview of a large variety of topics without being overwhelming, and brought up some points that I hadn't previously been aware of. There's also a fairly extensive Notes section which covers all of her sources and would serve as a good jumping-off point for anyone who wants to learn more about a specific topic.
At first, I was a bit skeptical about the format of this book. It's divided into different sections, ranging from what to do before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and then after pregnancy, and following baby development in a fairly general way until about 1 year of age. Within each section, Geddes addresses a number of questions, usually in a really short format, with each section taking only a minute or two to read. As I was initially interested in the process of pregnancy and conception primarily, I was a little miffed when more than half the book was devoted to the baby's birth and development after birth.
However, I ended up really enjoying it. It's written in a way that, if there's a specific question you want answered, you can skip right to the relevant section, and it will have all of the information that you need to at least get an overview of the subject. I didn't have a specific question in mind as much, so I read from start to finish, and found that it wasn't terribly repetitive. There are a number of times that Geddes refers to other chapters, but I found those references easy enough to just skip over and continue with my linear path.
Geddes does take a study-based approach, so she tends not to impose too many value judgments on the sections she covers. I thought she was pretty good about laying out study results and flaws, and then letting the reader draw their own opinions. This does require a bit of scientific knowledge though. My biggest recommendation would be to keep in mind the study size. A lot of the studies she cites had very small sample sizes, and so weren't very helpful. She does often point this out, but I also wanted to highlight it because it can be so misleading. Having read this in full, I was dissatisfied to find just how often the answer basically boils down to 'No one knows, so use your best judgment and be careful.'
I definitely think this is a good one to check out if you're interested in learning more about pregnancy and baby development. It gives a nice overview of a large variety of topics without being overwhelming, and brought up some points that I hadn't previously been aware of. There's also a fairly extensive Notes section which covers all of her sources and would serve as a good jumping-off point for anyone who wants to learn more about a specific topic.
March 21, 2015
This was one of Mike's picks for pregnancy books...probably because it includes about 40 pages at the back of references to scientific articles. The format of the book is question and answer...and each answer is easy to read and at the same time cites actual research. You'll be amazed at what has been studied. I just read questions, 'Does skin-to-skin contact really soothe my baby?' and 'How to babies go from breathing nothing to breathing air'? I love reading through this book...at first I just flipped through and read random questions, and now I'm going back to read it all in order..just about the start the 'Baby Bodies' chapter. If you want to know more about pregnancy, babies in the womb, newborns from an academic perspective, but without falling asleep reading lots and lots of dense papers, consider this book! I highly recommend this book!!
June 28, 2014
I personally didn't enjoy this book, it just didn't engage me to keep reading, in fact I didn't get to the end at all. Yes very informative and the writer uses previous studies to make statements and comments about each topic, so you can feel assured that she is well informed on the topic and provides some good facts and research info. Although a book about pregnancy and factual info, I really wanted to be engaged and excited but it just seemed a chore for me to finish. I expect there are better pregnancy books out there.
August 22, 2014
This was a fun book to race through, gathering interesting tidbits and skipping over things that didn't apply to me or interest me.
I enjoyed her scientific tone and what seemed to be well-researched content. However, I enjoyed "Expecting Better" much more...just as scientific but more conversational and anecdotal. I read pretty much that whole book while I more skimmed this one.
I enjoyed her scientific tone and what seemed to be well-researched content. However, I enjoyed "Expecting Better" much more...just as scientific but more conversational and anecdotal. I read pretty much that whole book while I more skimmed this one.
January 11, 2015
an enjoyable an informative presentation of nearly any question moms/parents-to-be wonder or hear at on time or another during pregnancy or their child's early infancy.
I felt the author was unbiased and presented research based information to answer questions about pregnancy and parenting.
I felt the author was unbiased and presented research based information to answer questions about pregnancy and parenting.
July 16, 2017
I've been meaning to read this book for months. So when I finally found some time to sit down and work my way through it, I was excited to jump around to those questions I've been mulling over and see what advice this book gave.
However, it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. Many of the answers gave me more questions than a definitive answer. Most, if not all, offered conflicting studies and their results.
My overall opinion? This book reads much like "What to expect when you're expecting," in the sense that included study after study with not-so-clear results, and way more information than I was ready for. And most of the information seemed like worst-case scenarios, not the norm. Not exactly what a first-time mama is ready to hear quite yet. Overall, fantastic idea for a book. But for now, I'll stick to reading a few other doctor-recommended resources and lighter reads.
However, it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. Many of the answers gave me more questions than a definitive answer. Most, if not all, offered conflicting studies and their results.
My overall opinion? This book reads much like "What to expect when you're expecting," in the sense that included study after study with not-so-clear results, and way more information than I was ready for. And most of the information seemed like worst-case scenarios, not the norm. Not exactly what a first-time mama is ready to hear quite yet. Overall, fantastic idea for a book. But for now, I'll stick to reading a few other doctor-recommended resources and lighter reads.
May 13, 2019
Finished 4/24/2019. Read this book last month while pregnant with baby #3 (before the miscarriage) to brush up on baby information. I was waiting to post my review until I could safely make a second trimester pregnancy announcement, but it was not to be.
This book was surprising in that it succeeded in being interesting and informative without aggravating typical pregnancy anxieties. A rare feat! The author writes for a British audience and pulls from scientific studies and pregnancy habits around the world, rather than just being American-centric. Part of me wondered if she minimized concerns and the need for specialized care due to the limits of English socialized medicine. No sense wetting the appetite for something the audience doesn't have access to. But it did succeed in helping me feel informed without feeling more anxious. Again, a rare feat.
This book was surprising in that it succeeded in being interesting and informative without aggravating typical pregnancy anxieties. A rare feat! The author writes for a British audience and pulls from scientific studies and pregnancy habits around the world, rather than just being American-centric. Part of me wondered if she minimized concerns and the need for specialized care due to the limits of English socialized medicine. No sense wetting the appetite for something the audience doesn't have access to. But it did succeed in helping me feel informed without feeling more anxious. Again, a rare feat.
May 10, 2023
Lugejad, kes loodavad siit saada konkreetseid näpunäiteid või teadmisi raseduse või lapsekasvatamise kohta, peavad pettuma. Tegu on rohkem huvitavate faktide kogumikuga - mitmed peatükid on üles ehitatud "kas sa teadsid, et..." stiilis ja kuigi kõik see info on huvitav, on see tõesti rohkem nagu 'võta teadmiseks' stiilis ja praktilist rakendust ma eriti sellel ei näe. Et näiteks olgugi et raamat ütleb, et statistiliselt pole täiskarsklasel ja tipsutajal mingit vahet, siis vaevalt, et rasedad kohe seetõttu veiniklaasi järgi küünitavad.
Fookus kontrollitud ja kvaliteetsetel teadusuuringutel on aga väga hea ning mõned need faktid on tõesti (mööndustega) "müüte murdvad" - kui see temaatika huvitab, on see kindlasti põnev lugemine.
Fookus kontrollitud ja kvaliteetsetel teadusuuringutel on aga väga hea ning mõned need faktid on tõesti (mööndustega) "müüte murdvad" - kui see temaatika huvitab, on see kindlasti põnev lugemine.
May 2, 2024
I enjoyed this book and all the interesting information. Apart from when the author spoke about baby sleep habits and what they called ‘bad habits’ for getting a baby to sleep - they let their own bias creep in here and much of what they seemed a ‘bad habit’ are completely natural needs of a baby and wouldn’t be helpful for a first time parent to read. I didn’t really pick up on this when I read it during my first pregnancy but reading it during a third pregnancy it just annoyed me.
December 28, 2024
Always interesting to get other peoples take on pregnancy and the advice given, especially when they are a journalist. When I picked the book up I didn't expect much and then I discovered that this lady is in fact a scientific journalist. Linda takes a critical look at what the evidence is and then adopts a common sense approach which also considers the practical issues of being a parent.
A good source of sensible information for parents to be and those considering pregnancy
A good source of sensible information for parents to be and those considering pregnancy
December 6, 2017
Most of these mythbusters I knew and some were illuminating, others I think the verdict is still out on but still quite a good synthesis on what we now know - although I have read recent articles in NYT and NPR online that contradict some of these, so I think the science is still evolving. A fun book to read in early pregnancy.
November 18, 2020
A good pregnancy book to dip in and out of with questions relevant to you, not a book to be read whole.
I liked the way she explained the answer and tried to use a variety of different sources, and also how she made it clear some of those sources were flawed.
A nifty little book that did help answer questions I've had using science rather than just anecdotes.
I liked the way she explained the answer and tried to use a variety of different sources, and also how she made it clear some of those sources were flawed.
A nifty little book that did help answer questions I've had using science rather than just anecdotes.
Read
April 26, 2021Don't worry, this was just an interesting read not a necessary read! I find all this weird reproduction stuff super interesting. Bodies are so amazing. I always like reading books and articles by science journalists because they cut through a lot of the nonsense, and this book was no exception. Full of fun facts, a great read if you're interested in the topic.
July 18, 2024
It's difficult to rate non-fiction information books such as this.
Did I like this book and find it informative? Yes.
Did I like it more than other informative books about pregnancy? No.
But, if you're like me, then you probably want to read as many pregnancy/childbirth/raising children, etc. books as you possibly can. I would definitely add this to the list.
Did I like this book and find it informative? Yes.
Did I like it more than other informative books about pregnancy? No.
But, if you're like me, then you probably want to read as many pregnancy/childbirth/raising children, etc. books as you possibly can. I would definitely add this to the list.
July 17, 2019
The perfect kickoff to pregnancy or planning for pregnancy. This book goes through every question you could imagine asking yourself (or being asked) and presents the evidence about the pros and cons of decisions. Highly recommend!
October 17, 2020
Awful book. As a first time pregnant woman myself, I would say thank god I didn’t read it at the beginning. It creates a feeling that risk is everywhere and literally everything is “prohibited” in a way (read: eat/drink/do at your own risk). Definitely never gift it to a first time mom.
August 31, 2024
Knyga gana lengvai perskaitoma, tačiau labiau ją rekomenduočiau skaitytojams norintiems susipažinti su įvairiais mitais apipintu nėštumu bei vaikų auginimu, nei būsimiems tėvams, kurie ieško nuoseklaus vadovo.
July 4, 2017
Easyreading :)
June 25, 2019
Pretty much a cool book! No non-sensical information, written in a very light style.
I'll just repeat the advice on the cover of the copy I've read: don't get pregnant without this book!
I'll just repeat the advice on the cover of the copy I've read: don't get pregnant without this book!
February 1, 2021
Ganėtinai daug naudingos informacijos pateikta lengvai, aiškiai ir suprantamai.
March 7, 2021
A fascinating, reassuring book full of truly interesting facts and helpful information.
July 18, 2021
Puiki, linksma ir idomi knyga būsimoms mamos.
October 26, 2021
This book answers a lot of questions pregnancy women may have about pregnancy, labor and newborns. Some of them didn’t apply to me so I skipped those, but most of it was pretty helpful.
June 20, 2022
Helpful, if a little more surface level than Emily Oster's work - on the other hand, covers a lot more ground.
Read
July 6, 2022Makes a good companion to Expecting Better
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews