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The Natural Pregnancy Book: Your Complete Guide to a Safe, Organic Pregnancy and Childbirth with Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices
A revised and updated edition of the classic handbook for women seeking a safe, organic, eco-friendly, and natural pregnancy, featuring an integrative-based approach with new medical, herbal, and nutritional information.
Every mother wants the best for her unborn child, from the baby’s conception to birth. What’s more, every mother wants clear, straightforward information delivered in a calm, empowering voice from someone who knows the facts. Enter Dr. Aviva Jill Romm, an expert in natural childbirth with more than twenty years of experience in both alternative and allopathic medicine. In this newly revised third edition, Dr. Romm takes a holistic approach, emphasizing natural remedies wherever possible and providing up-to-date advice on herbs that promote wellness during pregnancy, and alleviate such familiar concerns as anxiety, fatigue, morning sickness, and stretch marks. With tips for a nutritious diet, exercise and posture, and information on the emotional and physical changes that childbearing brings, The Natural Pregnancy Book is your comprehensive guide to a safe, healthy pregnancy, as nature intended it.
Every mother wants the best for her unborn child, from the baby’s conception to birth. What’s more, every mother wants clear, straightforward information delivered in a calm, empowering voice from someone who knows the facts. Enter Dr. Aviva Jill Romm, an expert in natural childbirth with more than twenty years of experience in both alternative and allopathic medicine. In this newly revised third edition, Dr. Romm takes a holistic approach, emphasizing natural remedies wherever possible and providing up-to-date advice on herbs that promote wellness during pregnancy, and alleviate such familiar concerns as anxiety, fatigue, morning sickness, and stretch marks. With tips for a nutritious diet, exercise and posture, and information on the emotional and physical changes that childbearing brings, The Natural Pregnancy Book is your comprehensive guide to a safe, healthy pregnancy, as nature intended it.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2014
17 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 29, 2024
A bit of New Age to weed through in this book, but the herbal guide in the last half is a really great resource
December 15, 2024
I think I underlined something on every page! I know I will turn to this often as a great resource
July 13, 2015
I appreciated the author's ability to provide information for expecting parents interested in holistic choices during pregnancy in an easy to understand format in her updated edition of The Natural Pregnancy Book. This book has very useful tips and explanations of common pregnancy concerns with excellent recommendations. I also enjoyed how organized each section is. I will definitely be recommending this book to my family and friends!
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for posting this review.
I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for posting this review.
April 8, 2019
Another prenatal YTT required reading. This book has made me fall asleep before bed every night, the writing is so dry. As a semi-crunchy mom (is that a thing?) I found some of her advice a bit scary for a first time mom, listing all the ways babies can be harmed in the womb by eating anything you didn’t grow yourself (I’m exaggerating, but still).
February 15, 2021
A great resource for expectant mothers, partners, and caregivers to affirm the voice and natural power of a woman's body, especially when it comes to child bearing. This book covers the preconception and prenatal processes from an integrative approach, introducing both mental and physical aspects and affects on overall health. 5 stars from me because it helped me feel like I was more in control during pregnancy, and because it opened my eyes to the importance of an integrative mindset especially useful for bonding with your child prenatally.
Romm introduces healthy questioning around the status quo of routine medical appointments, including the unproven safety of ultrasounds and dopplers, and over-reliance on the medical industry and OB/GYNs during the entire prenatal and birthing process. She expresses there is ample instinctive wisdom embedded in a woman that is underutilized and needs to be relied on in order to figure out what our bodies truly need for an optimum healthy pregnancy. She shares what women can do in order to rekindle this trust in their bodies.
Each chapter is fairly short and very readable with stories, case studies and research sprinkled along the way. It's not dry, like you would expect from a reference book, and doesn't take too long to read.
The book is also packed with resources about safe herbs and remedies for specific issues during pregnancy, listed in "A Guide to Common Pregnancy Issues" which is featured as Part II of the book. I've only just finished this book and have already found myself going multiple times to use this guide whenever I have an issue, whether it be indigestion or incontinence. Though I don't use herbs on a regular basis, the recipes are nice to have so that in case something does come up, I know where to look.
Highly encourage it for expectant mothers, partners, and caregivers, if not as a main resource at least as a supplemental resource to understand the process from an alternative point of view to the commonly taken reliance on the medical industry.
Romm introduces healthy questioning around the status quo of routine medical appointments, including the unproven safety of ultrasounds and dopplers, and over-reliance on the medical industry and OB/GYNs during the entire prenatal and birthing process. She expresses there is ample instinctive wisdom embedded in a woman that is underutilized and needs to be relied on in order to figure out what our bodies truly need for an optimum healthy pregnancy. She shares what women can do in order to rekindle this trust in their bodies.
Each chapter is fairly short and very readable with stories, case studies and research sprinkled along the way. It's not dry, like you would expect from a reference book, and doesn't take too long to read.
The book is also packed with resources about safe herbs and remedies for specific issues during pregnancy, listed in "A Guide to Common Pregnancy Issues" which is featured as Part II of the book. I've only just finished this book and have already found myself going multiple times to use this guide whenever I have an issue, whether it be indigestion or incontinence. Though I don't use herbs on a regular basis, the recipes are nice to have so that in case something does come up, I know where to look.
Highly encourage it for expectant mothers, partners, and caregivers, if not as a main resource at least as a supplemental resource to understand the process from an alternative point of view to the commonly taken reliance on the medical industry.
January 10, 2020
i skimmed through and found some info helpful - exercises etc. I always appreciate a more holistic and natural approach to health that takes social norms and history and misogyny into account. But since I work in medical genetics and this is one area I actually know a lot about, I’m always interested to see how accurate the info they present is related to these areas where I can fact check. The info given on prenatal dx is limited and misleading; risks given are vague and overly broad, no studies cited of course. The benefits are presented in a general way but the specifics of the risks are not clearly presented, nor is it made clear just how small these risks are.
Also, stress does totally impact pregnancy. (There is interesting data related to pregnancy outcomes from the Six-Day War to support this, at least when that stress is extreme.) A lot of the things the book advises— if it works for you and makes you feel good, great. Even if it’s a placebo effect, there’s really no stronger medicine (with zero side effects). But this book takes it far enough to imply that a woman’s attitude and (lack of) spiritual bond with a baby (embryo/fetus— it’s a process of becoming) can be responsible for miscarriage. Which is ridiculous and misogynistic.
Also, stress does totally impact pregnancy. (There is interesting data related to pregnancy outcomes from the Six-Day War to support this, at least when that stress is extreme.) A lot of the things the book advises— if it works for you and makes you feel good, great. Even if it’s a placebo effect, there’s really no stronger medicine (with zero side effects). But this book takes it far enough to imply that a woman’s attitude and (lack of) spiritual bond with a baby (embryo/fetus— it’s a process of becoming) can be responsible for miscarriage. Which is ridiculous and misogynistic.
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February 13, 2020The Natural pregnancy book encourages woman to trust their bodies during pregnancy amd childbirth. It covers a range of topics from choosing a provider to herbs used or not used in pregnancy as well diet and other prenatal recommendations. This book really helps take women to a place of trust in themselves and their baby and working through acknowledgement of the changes that are taking place. In the very beginning of the book the author fully discloses her feministic approch and for the most part believes that providers for women should be female. This book is a wonderful resource for any pregnant woman to encourage her of what she is capable of.
March 23, 2021
I wish I would have read this way earlier in my pregnancy, but it still had information specific to the third trimester and even the last month of pregnancy that was insightful. I loved how it really focused on nutrition and broke down why pretty much every single vitamin/mineral/etc is important and what foods contain it. The entire last half is on "common concerns" during pregnancy and general/dietary/herbal recommendations for each. There were some parts that were too hyper-spiritual for me that I skipped over 🙃
February 7, 2023
This book had a lot of good surface level information, but I would have appreciated more references, anecdotes and variety information. There was a lot of telling without giving background explanation. I think this is a good book for someone trying to conceive or early on in their pregnancy, especially someone who considers themselves “crunchy” or holistically minded. This gives a basic overview.
September 24, 2022
I was glad to see the recommendation of things such as herbal remedies for certain ailments, and even a "what herbs to avoid" list. However, the nutritional advice is absolute crap, not much better than recommending the Standard American Diet.
December 13, 2024
I have so much respect for Dr. Romm—her wealth of knowledge is incredible, and she’s always been such a valuable resource. However, I found this book a bit underwhelming. While it’s packed with information, the presentation felt overly dry and lacked the engaging tone I was hoping for.
August 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this! Pregnancy is fascinating to me, and this book offered a pretty thorough overview of what to expect in pregnancy as well as how to care for yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. (Disclaimer: I am NOT pregnant.)
October 5, 2017
This book is mostly a reference book with a lot of advice about herbs and diet choices you can use to create a more natural pregnancy. It was a bit too granola for me.
March 29, 2020
A helpful book for those wanting a natural birth experience and information for how to use homeopathy and other natural remedies for pregnancy and birth!
July 13, 2022
Filled with practical, evidence based information through each trimester. One you’ll want to mark with sticky notes to “save for later”.
March 18, 2023
Fine. Had some good info, but writing was dry and a little too crunchy for me.
October 16, 2023
Wonderful knowledge that should be more widely known! I wish my sister would have read this with me! So many of her ailments while pregnant had answers in this book!
February 11, 2025
There’s a lot of lingo/new age things that I don’t personally agree with, earning it 4 stars. But overall I found this helpful and I loved the herbal and tinture recipes and recommendations.
July 19, 2025
A little hippy dippy for my taste but still a lot of useful information
September 2, 2025
Not bad! A bit woo-woo in the beginning but also super practical with tips listed by symptom and tons of herb information.
September 7, 2025
A good thorough overview and a lot more about herbs than other pregnancy books but beware of the spiritual influences and eastern medicine principle. Apply wisely.
November 20, 2025
Not as informative as I was hoping for.
December 15, 2023
This book is a great resource for anyone who wants to approach pregnancy in a holistic fashion. The book provides fact and opinion and the author is good at making clear which is which. The book has many great resources and recommendations for anything you may experience in your pregnancy or fertility journey.
October 29, 2018
This was an extremely helpful book on a more natural approach to pregnancy (rather than the techno-medical approach most pervasive in the U.S. today). A very good, approachable description of this approach to childbirth.
There are also helpful natural remedies to some of the common maladies of pregnancy, particularly useful for those maladies where one can no longer take common over the counter medicines (like painkillers). This section got a little too do-it-yourself herbalist for me (having no free time on my hands to actually make my own tinctures, etc.). But it was interesting to read about and probably helpful to those with more free time and interest.
It also serves as a great reference for what herbs are and are not safe to use during pregnancy, on a trimester by trimester basis.
There are also helpful natural remedies to some of the common maladies of pregnancy, particularly useful for those maladies where one can no longer take common over the counter medicines (like painkillers). This section got a little too do-it-yourself herbalist for me (having no free time on my hands to actually make my own tinctures, etc.). But it was interesting to read about and probably helpful to those with more free time and interest.
It also serves as a great reference for what herbs are and are not safe to use during pregnancy, on a trimester by trimester basis.
January 26, 2015
This book arrived literally the day we found out we were expecting -- how serendipitous!
It's chock-full of very useful information, particularly for mamas who gravitate towards holistic and natural remedies before consulting allopathic solutions. It demystified a lot of the initial pregnancy emotions and sensations that first arose for me and helped me set a more realistic and balanced tone for the later weeks and weeks.
What I found of immense help was understanding what could be done to prevent, curb, and offset some of the discomforts of pregnancy, such as nausea and low energy. Reduce your stress, eat well, exercise (your body and your pelvic floor!), mind your posture, get out in nature, and listen to yourself!
Her insight on the psychological elements of pregnancy are also very useful and insightful -- how, if you're the type of mama who's going to exercise your tired prego body into fitness, damn it, you might have control and body issues that could make delivery and pregnancy more difficult overall. A lot of the book talks about the beauty and vulnerability of surrender.
Your body is incredibly wise, and pregnancy is the time when, for most western women like us, we're the most connected to ourselves. It's a pretty incredible feeling.
This book also offers ways of connecting with baby. Talk to your belly, meditate on the child growing inside you, and just generally, dedicate time and attention to the life you're building.
It's chock-full of very useful information, particularly for mamas who gravitate towards holistic and natural remedies before consulting allopathic solutions. It demystified a lot of the initial pregnancy emotions and sensations that first arose for me and helped me set a more realistic and balanced tone for the later weeks and weeks.
What I found of immense help was understanding what could be done to prevent, curb, and offset some of the discomforts of pregnancy, such as nausea and low energy. Reduce your stress, eat well, exercise (your body and your pelvic floor!), mind your posture, get out in nature, and listen to yourself!
Her insight on the psychological elements of pregnancy are also very useful and insightful -- how, if you're the type of mama who's going to exercise your tired prego body into fitness, damn it, you might have control and body issues that could make delivery and pregnancy more difficult overall. A lot of the book talks about the beauty and vulnerability of surrender.
Your body is incredibly wise, and pregnancy is the time when, for most western women like us, we're the most connected to ourselves. It's a pretty incredible feeling.
This book also offers ways of connecting with baby. Talk to your belly, meditate on the child growing inside you, and just generally, dedicate time and attention to the life you're building.
November 30, 2014
This is the book I have been looking for! This is the holy grail! I have read books about natural childbirth, doulas, herbalism and nutrition . The Natural Pregnancy Book has all these topics in the most honest, updated and clear presentation.
They say people plan a wedding more than a marriage. And that's how I feel about all the books I've read. How great a natural childbirth is, and yes, it must be incredibly rewarding, but what about a natural pregnancy experience to prepare you for a natural motherhood?
My favorite section was about nutrition and herbs, and why you need protein, and specific vitamins and minerals. She was very helpful to my vegetarian and vegan sisters. (It can be done easily! I simply chose not too) I experienced a HUGE improvement in my problems with leg cramps and irritability. Thank you calcium and magnesium!
There is also part about first time fathers, which I read to my husband, who has his own set of questions and worries. A small section, written by the authors husband and father of four, gives very honest and caring feedback about how to react and care for a pregnant partner while staying grounded.
I hope to have a natural childbirth, but if not, I am happy knowing I had a very natural pregnancy. I want to give this book to every pregnant sister I meet from here forward!
They say people plan a wedding more than a marriage. And that's how I feel about all the books I've read. How great a natural childbirth is, and yes, it must be incredibly rewarding, but what about a natural pregnancy experience to prepare you for a natural motherhood?
My favorite section was about nutrition and herbs, and why you need protein, and specific vitamins and minerals. She was very helpful to my vegetarian and vegan sisters. (It can be done easily! I simply chose not too) I experienced a HUGE improvement in my problems with leg cramps and irritability. Thank you calcium and magnesium!
There is also part about first time fathers, which I read to my husband, who has his own set of questions and worries. A small section, written by the authors husband and father of four, gives very honest and caring feedback about how to react and care for a pregnant partner while staying grounded.
I hope to have a natural childbirth, but if not, I am happy knowing I had a very natural pregnancy. I want to give this book to every pregnant sister I meet from here forward!
February 3, 2015
As someone who is interested in herbs, holistic health, and in want of naturally birthing my own babies someday (hopefully in the not-so-distant future) I really enjoyed reading through the multitude of wonderful information in the newly revised edition of The Natural Pregnancy Book. Pregnancy topics covered are: a history of birthing practices, learning how to pay attention to your own body, emotional and physical changes, diet and exercise, looks into each trimester, and herbs and their uses to help you throughout your entire natural pregnancy. All of the material covered here is invaluable to those “wannabe crunchy mamas” like myself who are actively pursuing the chance to have an all-natural pregnancy, and want to live out and promote a healthier lifestyle for themselves, their babies and their family.
I will be keeping my copy of this book on the shelf in wait of that glorious day when I can announce “I’m pregnant!” and then I’ll boldly go about pursuing my own path towards an all-natural pregnancy of my own.
*I received a copy of this book for free from the Blogging for Books program.
I will be keeping my copy of this book on the shelf in wait of that glorious day when I can announce “I’m pregnant!” and then I’ll boldly go about pursuing my own path towards an all-natural pregnancy of my own.
*I received a copy of this book for free from the Blogging for Books program.
October 2, 2014
While I appreciated a lot of the information in this book, it just somehow wasn't quite what I was looking for - but I can think of several people I would happily recommend it to.
June 14, 2015
Great book. Lots of info. But it just wasn't what I was expecting.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews