Dear Future Mama: A TMI Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood from Your Bestie

by Meghan Trainor

Read by the author.

The real talk you want about pregnancy, birth, body image, and the newborn days from Meghan Trainor, the chart-topping singer-songwriter behind "All About That Bass" and "Dear Future Husband," and, more importantly, Riley's mom.

Meghan Trainor has wanted to be a mom since before she even knew how babies were made. From the moment she discovered she was pregnant with her first child--her son, Riley--she was fascinated by the entire experience.

Yes, pregnancy and motherhood are miracles--but even a miracle can freak you out sometimes. Everyone has an opinion on what an expectant mother should feel, think, or do during her pregnancy, and it's hard not to feel overwhelmed with app notifications, well-meaning questions, and unsolicited advice that comes from friends, family, and perfect strangers.

Dear Future Mama is a heartfelt and humorous guide for expectant mamas inspired by Meghan's own journey into motherhood and expert insights from Meghan's own personal trainer, registered dietitian, husband, and ob-gyn. No shame, no judgment--just straight talk (and laughs) from a bestie who's been there, including

a TMI guide to the good, bad, and WTF of conception, pregnancy, and childbirthadvice about everything from ovulation apps to random hair growthMeghan's personal stories about body image, mental health, and navigating her career path as a new motherpermission to find the right path for you--ignoring the judgment of others and freeing yourself from the shifting standards of motherhood

Dear Future Mama offers future mamas a place to relax, laugh out loud, and get the pep talk they need to know that they are absolutely not alone.

Exercises, recipes, and reference tables are included in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Parenting, Self Help, Memoir, Biography, Adult

Audible Audio

Published April 25, 2023

Reviews

[Meghan Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was an up & down journey for me. I first started it when I was in the pits of first trimester sickness flying home to have my mom take care of me. I had just had to get IV fluids a few days before & was depleted, still keeping my pregnancy a secret from everyone except immediate family & feeling like I needed some reminders of my strength. That is this book’s strong suit! It was definitely the reminder I needed early on that I was a capable queen ready for many more months of pregnancy. This book falls short in a few ways though. Number one… It’s just a bit cringey. I listened to the audiobook read by Meghan & more than once found myself visibly cringing while listening. Maybe it’s just her STRONG millennial vocabulary 😂 Number two… I just have a vastly different way of life than pop sensation Meghan Trainor! While she tried to make this as relatable as possible… I just can’t relate to her excessive shopping, donating it all cuz it was of no use to her & having a nanny come from 8-5 M-F 😂 That last one wasn’t portrayed in the book, but in an interview she did recently & it made me be like 👁️👄👁️ “Oh! Celebs! They’re NOT like us!” 😂 Anyway! This book was a solid 3 stars. It did its job of being a TMI guide to pregnancy told in the tone of your bestie, but none of the information was very new to me. It was a decent book to put on when I needed solid pregnancy tips though.

[Danika Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great audiobook! (Not pregnant, just love meghan trainor 😜)

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's because I'm still in my "postpartum era", but this was a fun audiobook, and I would like to remind myself and others that books by celebrities should not be taken as the end all be all. I would absolutely suggest checking the physical book out from the library because Ms. Trainor had professionals give their insight in addition to her book.

I would say this book's audience is either those who are already parents or big fans of Meghan. Those falling outside of this audience, I would not recommend this book to you.

Meghan walked through all parts of her journey to motherhood in this book. I felt she was very sincere when describing things that were not for her, as well as being very open and honest about her own dealings with her pregnancy and postpartum time. I enjoyed that she her husband join in and that she was realistic in stating that some of the "vain" things she did were only possible because of her career and thus her income being able to afford such things.

I really loved this book. I honestly would probably listen to it again if I were ever pregnant again.

[Nat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I cringed at the suggestion of lots of extra ultrasounds for no medical reason. Do NOT go to those mall stands! They’re completely unregulated. Ultrasounds add a level of risk for the fetus and this isn’t acknowledged. In general, the accuracy is hit and miss. If you like the vibe, it can be a fun read, but the medical information is surprisingly scant given that her doctor supposedly helped with the book…

[Charity (Booktrovert Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into Dear Future Mama with zero expectations, because I’m not really a Meghan Trainor fan, but I walked away feeling like I’d just chatted with the most honest, hilarious bestie. The way she shares her first-time mom journey is so real and relatable, it honestly made me feel less alone in my own struggles. No Instagram-perfect highlight reel here. Just warm, humorous truth wrapped up in pop-star realness. It’s a comforting reminder that even when motherhood feels overwhelming, we’re not the only ones in the trenches.

Meghan’s voice is what makes this book shine. She dives into everything; pregnancy anxiety, body image swings, the awkwardness of breastfeeding, hormonal brain fog, and the soul-crushing unsolicited advice. With so much heart and zero judgment. She even pulls in expert help from her trainer, dietitian, OB-GYN, and even her husband, all while keeping it breezy and genuine.

My only small quibble? Meghan’s privilege does peek through sometimes, like when she talks about buying and returning expensive maternity items—but she acknowledges it, and that honesty makes her even more relatable. (Looking at you, mammoth rock collection anecdote.)

All in all, this was more than just advice; it felt like a pep talk from a friend I didn’t know I needed. If you’re ready for a guide packed with laughter, sanity-saving tips, and permission to parent your way—this is the one.

[Sara Dahaabović · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I listened to this audiobook. Maybe it's because I know Meghan is funny and the audiobook is only four hours long.

It’s a cute book but wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Meghan kept repeating two points over and over again: “pregnancy is expensive and “I am lucky AF” to the point where it got boring to be honest.

[steph ☆]

Memoir/No Rating

[Emily Allee · Rating 4 out of 5]

To everyone who knows me on this app, I am not pregnant :-) just needed a lil audiobook for my drive to work and think the fact that women can make human beings is incredible. Plus Meghan is a hoot

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

perfect baby shower gift 😅😂

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick volume of first hand advice/experience from conception to the first few months of motherhood. More geared to pregnant women than older mothers, this was still an interesting read and I liked hearing about what Meghan's experience with birth and pregnancy was like. Nothing super ground-breaking or eye-opening though. Thanks to @librofm for the ALC read by the author herself with some snippets from her husband.

[Torie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her and I loved this book. Fr need to pick up a physical copy of it

[Lindsey Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short audiobook, I liked how she shared so many personal & helpful things about pregnancy.

[Mar_pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so precious!!! And joyful!!!

[Seena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, comforting, funny and clever. Loved the layout and variety of content and different contributors. I will say there are some portions that would be more relatable to those with more money. That being said, it's Meghan's experience and she makes all that very clear.

Read first as a fan and as someone interested in having children. Re-read this year, as it's actually relevant. It hits the same as before.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no desire or intention to ever get pregnant. Why did I read this book then you ask? Because I like Meghan Trainor!

As an audiobook this was amazing. I loved how Meghan talked, she was so animated and cute, it was great to listen to. I also loved how Daryl popped in sometimes. He sounds like such an amazing husband.

Personally I didn’t need to hear the doctor and the nutritionist come in and talk, but that was nice she brought them in to narrate their sections.

I liked hearing what Meghan specifically went through because I was here to hear what she had to say. All the information about tips for what to do while pregnant or after pregnancy I didn’t need to know so those parts were boring for me.

So while this book wasn’t for me, if you are pregnant or want to be I think this is a great book to read!

Meghan was very encouraging to mothers as well as gave good tips for what to do or not to do. Obviously everyone is going to have different experiences, but if you like Meghan I would say to listen to this!

[Alexa Childress · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, are pregnant, or have someone you love who is pregnant READ THIS. It’s 10x easier to understand and get through than the other books I’ve read. Plus on audible you can hear Meghan and Daryl’s humor and it makes it go by so fast. But HOLY FUCK WOMEN ARE SUPER HUMANS MY GOODNESS

[Courtney Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book about her first pregnancy and how she dealt with unexpected issues (gestational diabetes, breastfeeding, etc). Most of all, I love reading about Daryl’s POV and how supportive and loving he was during the whole pregnancy and after. All partners should be this way! Meghan’s a lucky lady.

[Jordyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOT PREGNANT.
I really loved this book. It was so funny and very detailed, which is what I wanted. I liked having her husband pop in throughout the book with his perspective. Was very funny and informative. I think Meghan and I would be friends.

[Abbey Marino · Rating 5 out of 5]

took advantage of the pregnancy insomnia & loved this as a first pregnancy book (& loved seeing my big’s comments from her first pregnancy 🥰). felt like it was a good overview without too many gory details & a good perspective/reminder to give yourself all the grace & kindness you can!

[Stephanie Daige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amen, Meghan! 🙌🏼
This was the perfect mama-to-be book for me. So relatable!

[Rheathebookwormdreamergirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one that I wish I had read before I had my son. Overall, I enjoyed this!

[Grace Olivier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not pregnant btw***

[Allison Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: NOT A MOM. Not trying to be either!! So don’t freak out over what I’m reading.
This book on audio is great and I love hearing from Meghan’s POV. She’s hilarious.
Pregnancy and birth are so freaky to me and part of her story helped and part didn’t lol.

[Meridith Bogle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrible. Why did I read this. Two stars (instead of just one) because I laughed when she confused circumcision and cesarean.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, audiobook

[Pay🧡 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly decent! I wouldn’t say it’s like the best parenting book out there or maybe it’s just because I already knew most things she had been talking about. It was still pretty cute and I’d tell moms to be to give it a shot since it’s fairly short and easy to listen to.

[Jeunesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one day! Originally, I only wanted to hear the parts about motherhood after birth and I am so glad that I gave the whole thing a chance. My experience with pregnancy was eerily similar to Meghan’s and she had me DEEP sobbing halfway through. This book made me feel seen and comforted. It also made me realize that there is a large part of me that needs healing, love and care. Meghan has such a great way of giving serious topics the respect they deserve but also making you laugh. I truly would (and will) recommend this book to any Mom.

[Jenna White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Meghan Trainor and her music so when I saw she wrote this book, I immediately saved it to my TBR. At the time, I didn't know if I would have kids, I just wanted to read it because I liked her personality and the things she would share about her son on social media.

When I found out I was pregnant in summer 2024, I was overwhelmed, scared, all the feelings that something unknown can make you feel. This book really was like having your best girlfriend giving you all the advice, cheering you on and making you laugh. ❤️ I started this book in my first trimester and read it throughout my pregnancy. I loved how she had the book divided up by trimester so I would read each section when I was actually in that trimester.

I would recommend this book to any first time mom!

[Rachelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a memoir than informational. Currently pregnant: got nothing out of this book…Talks a lot of about her c-section experience and how wonderful her husband is. if you’re planning on going vaginal then you won’t get anything out of this for that experience. I’d suggest spending time on other RELIABLE sources and books on motherhood and pregnancy…..

[Mandy | bookiesncreme · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a memoir than anything else, but it was definitely like listening to your bestie about pregnancy (helps if you’re a millennial and like Meghan Trainor). Would really only recommend if you like her and not for every future mama.