The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month, Everything You Need to Know From America's Baby Experts

by William Sears, Martha Sears, Linda Hughey Holt

America's foremost baby and childcare experts tell you what to expect, month by month, from conception through birth In this uniquely authoritative and comprehensive guide, Dr. Bill and Martha Sears, the pediatrics specialists whose books on birth, babies, and parenting have become widely praised bestsellers, team up with one of America's leading obstetricians. The the definitive book on pregnancy for expectant parents today. The Pregnancy Book explains what is occurring in the womb step by step, so that you can better appreciate why your body behaves the way it does and why you feel the way you do. The topics covered * 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 and technology, genetic counseling, childbirth options, and bonding with your preborn baby * essential information on eating right for two * how to protect the womb environment and recognize 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 With a detailed special section on labor and delivery, a glossary of obstetrical terms, and a chapter covering "the tenth month"-postpartum-The Pregnancy Book is an unrivaled source of information, counsel, and comfort for every prospective parent.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Health, Family, Reference, Self Help, Education

448 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

About the author

Dr. Sears, or Dr. Bill as his "little patients" call him, is the father of eight children as well as the author of over 30 books on childcare. Dr. Bill is an Associate Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. Dr. Bill received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hospital in Boston and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto -- the largest children’s hospital in the world, where he served as associate ward chief of the newborn nursery and associate professor of pediatrics. Dr. Sears is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a fellow of the Royal College of Pediatricians (RCP).Dr. Bill is also a medical and parenting consultant for BabyTalk and Parenting magazines and the pediatrician on the website Parenting.com.

Reviews

[Oksana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Абсолютно найкраща книжка про вагітність! До прочитання всім мамам-початківцям.
Розбита помісячно, що зручно до поглинання інформації дозовано та актуально станом на той чи інший етап. Покриває буквально будь-який аспект вагітності від А до Я. І в кінці книжки навіть є глосарій. Не дивно, що за нею довелось полювати, бо тираж повністю розкуплений.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best pregnancy book I have found. I started to read What to Expect..., but found it kind of patronizing and alarmist. It seemed to feed into the whole treating-all-pregnancies-as-though-they-are-high-risk-pregnancies attitude that I find so problematic. I gave up on that book because I felt it would encourage me to act like the paranoid, senseless women that congregate online on thenest.com

I like this book because it covers everything that a woman with a normal healthy pregnancy needs to know. It's not alarmist or condescending. At times, it's cloyingly positive about pregnancy, and that drove me a bit nuts. But if a book's going to be too extreme, I would rather it's extreme in the "pregnancy is important and powerful and magical" direction, than the "pregnancy is an life-threatening, horrible illness that must be managed by doctors in their infinite wisdom" direction.

I completely disagree with the reviewers that think the book is biased in favor of medical intervention and obstetric care. I think the Searses did a very good job of trying to remain neutral on the obstetric v. midwife care issue. They present it in a way that allows women to make their own decisions. They emphasize that each approach is guided by a different set of assumptions. They try to paint a positive picture of both.

In their section on tests that can be run during pregnancy, they explicitly say that no interventions is the best route to go. They dissuade people from getting ultrasounds unless there is a medical need for them (i.e., not just to find out the sex). So, I hardly read the Searses as uncritical advocates of obstetric care as it is practiced in the US.

The parts where they detail what's going to happen each month are thoroughly disgusting. Any woman who isn't already pregnant should read them and think really seriously about whether they really want to go through all that nonsense. But, for ladies that are already with child, those sections are helpful and reassuring.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the publication date, this remains one of the best pregnancy books that I have read. Instead of terrorizing gestating women with the 8 billion things that can go wrong, the authors focus on the much likelier outcome that the majority of women experience which is a healthy pregnancy and s in childbirth. The authors do pay attention to possible complications and devote an appendix to some more detailed explanations of these concerns. This allows the reader to decide whether they will read this information rather than being sideswiped by it week to week. The authors also provide a balanced view of medicated, un-medicated, and semi-medicated labor by providing information without the judgement found in many texts. Each month is detailed clearly and includes sections on physical changes, emotional changes, and baby's development. Each chapter also includes additional information related to each month: relaxation techniques, prenatal testing, exercise, nutrition, etc.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best pregnancy book I read. Way better than what to expect when you are expecting.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome format with a different/Christian perspective...his books are wonderful.

[Klaudia Kurzeja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of useful information preparing for labor. Nevertheless, after reading the book I sometimes felt more concerned about the labor as before I had no thoughts about the process. It gave me the direction to my pregnancy, and helped me to choose what I want to achieve during that date and what will the best for child.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the family-friendly Sears family and Dr. Holt. Informative and full of great information to encourage smart women. It's great, perhaps the best pregnancy book I've read (those being Birthing from Within & What to Expect). They give you all the info about what we may expect month to month in our bodies, what those symptoms indicate of what's happening, how to choose a care provider, and make the choices that work best for you as you progress and experience labor and delivery. It assumes our female intelligence, the ability to make informed decisions, and to listen to our bodies (I didn't feel this way about WTE). It discusses the work of doctors and midwives, gives information about medications available in labor, how to manage labor without medication. It's information, encouraging and friendly. I can't say how it reads as a first-time mother-to-be. With this second pregnancy, it's interesting to learn more about what happened with my first, and feel even more determined not to repeat some things.

I highly recommend the Sears' books!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Sears is probably the most famous proponent of "attachment parenting" and this pregnancy book lays the groundwork for that approach by advocating unmedicated childbirth, preparation for breast feeding, and other "natural" approaches. But in addition to this less interventionist sort of advice, Dr. Sears also provides more mainstream medical information, about things like prenatal testing and options for pain relief during birth. I found this balance to suit me very well, and referred to this book often throughout both my pregnancies. It also has very good checklists and diagrams summarizing what is going on at each stage of pregnancy and what to expect as each month goes on, emotionally, physically, and medically.

[Tere · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only pregnancy book I recommend. Treats the mother-to-be as an intelligent stakeholder who needs to be empowered and supported. Covers a wide variety of topics, including federal laws and maternity leave, birth options, nutrition, etc.

Strongly advocates breastfeeding and attachment parenting. While I don't follow attachment parenting, per se, this book made the most sense to me.

Best recommended for those wanting something more than the drivel in "What to Expect" and similar books.

[Melynna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really pretty similar to What To Expect When You're Expecting, but I think it's better. While What To Expect tries to be unbiased, it really does lean toward medical intervention more and just letting the doctors tell you what to do all the time. This one encourages you to take a more active role, be informed, and make decisions based on what you want and what's really better for your baby and yourself in the long run. I would definitely recommend it.

[L.e. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had one basic book to recommend to pregnant chicks it would be this. It is very comprehensive and easy to read- divided up by months with common questions, etc. Dr Sears is a pediatrician and he and his wife have several children. They had some babies at home, some in the hospital, some adopted. While he is a little left of center this book outlines all options regarding hospital and out of hospital births.

[Alie Stumpf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truth be told, I skipped around this book & focused mainly on the chapters about labor. It gives great, empowering tips to women who are committed to a natural childbirth. Though there is a clear bias toward non-medicated labor, it does give advice about how and when to use medication so that you avoid other more serious interventions. Some parts are humorously outdated (bring a fistful of quarters to the hospital for phone calls!), but overall a great reference.

[Lisa Gusewelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all the helpful advice and factoids featured throughout this book. This was definitely the most helpful pregnancy book that I picked up.

I wish they included more information about c sections. Their vaginal birth section was so well-detailed that I often found myself in the late weeks of pregnancy going back to re-read to assure myself or to study.

Unfortunately, all of their helpful tips and tricks weren't enough to prevent my inevitable csection, but I would have really appreciated the same level of detail with the lead up and recovery.

[Andy Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the tail-end of 2021 and at the age of 41, I became a first time dad. I found this book extremely helpful in my journey to fatherhood.

(Small side note: Please remember not all pregnancies are the same. This is a guide, not a Bible. Some of this information will work for you, some of it will not)

[Brilliant · Rating 5 out of 5]

应该是最好的怀孕教科书了吧，事无巨细，除了稍微有一点点过于强调有机食品几乎完美。对于自然分娩的看法目前认为也很客观。 这本书当然要读两遍，第二遍启动中。

[Cherniakhivska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Читала давно, зараз просто збережу в підбірку книжок про материнство. Хороша книжка, спокійна.

[Xuankang Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Maciek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ciąża miesiąc po miesiącu, ogólnie ok, ale najslabsza z 3 które czytałem. Na minus wstawki o medycynie alternatywnej ("czy można zjeść łożysko"), i amerykański punkt widzenia.

[Ira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дуже хороша, змістовна книга, нормалізує і пояснює процеси, з якими зіштовхуються вагітні, тим самим знімаючи досить багато питань, які виникають від час вагітності

[Malwina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

[Janine Tangney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a friendly tone and helps answer common questions and worries in a non-threatening way. I wanted to find a pregnancy book that helped calm my worries (I have a lot of them!) by providing good, plentiful information - but not so much as to be overwhelming or intimidating. Some books can be very intense on what should and shouldn't be done, and long, scary chapters on what can go wrong. This book is broken down month-by-month, focusing on all of the positive aspects of your growing baby, and also providing a "FAQ" type section to answer common questions. It's been a wonderful resource for me (and my husband!)

[Kyleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find it difficult to gather my thoughts on this book. It read like a textbook: slow, dry, and informative. It was a good enough source for information on what a woman goes through during pregnancy, however, I suspect a good bit of the data is out of date.[return][return]The Sears strike a good balance between holistic and medical paradigms, although at times I felt it was the irritated obstetrician talking, not the friendly author. This book is probably a great reference to have on hand as one goes through the months of pregnancy, and a good starter, but it's a little too middle-ground for my tastes.

[Sophia Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously this was a great book. You're going to find so many helpful tips here. I'd like to have seen something though that discussed more baby products that help with nurturing and caring for your little one. For example, nursing covers are great for breastfeeding in public and you can basically get them for free on the web, and a bunch of other great products. In fact you can use this I found on the internet... "go to these respective website and enter EZ123 as the promo code to knock the entire price off. www.carseatcanopy.com, www.sevenslings.com, www.uddercovers.com, www.babyleggings.com, www.breastpads.com, www.nursingpillow.com"

[Ms_Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah it was so many years ago that I needed this book this will be a rose tinged blurb. I avoided most pregnancy books as I was already in a high risk pregnancy from very early on. As bed rest was required for the vast majority of both of my to term pregnancies I loved this book. It was a guideline for normal and somewhat abnormal pregnancies without the common scare tactics. Instead the vibe was friendly, positive, helpful, and quite clear about when to seek further counsel. This pregnancy book helped me through so many emotions, questions, and moments. I'll always be grateful to the Sears family for this book. <3

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was pregnant with my daughter and am re-reading it in parts with this pregnancy as well. It is nicely divided up to address the emotional components of pregnancy in each month, as well as the physical changes that occur both for mom and baby, and related concerns. Also a nice section on the actual process of labor and delivery and there are illustrations throughout to show the development of the baby and other things such as laboring positions. I think this is a solid book for pregnant moms to read, whether their first time or with subsequent pregnancies.

[Yulia Loschilina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Это та книга, с которой я начала знакомство с беременностью - я только начинала осознавать, что стану мамой. И мне было интересно все, а особенно, как развивается зародыш, что у него там растет и когда - руки-ноги-пальцы-глаза :) Поэтому читать размазанную версию каждого месяца было очень и очень весело. Потом, по прошествии первого триместра, событий становилось все меньше (ну да, он растет, ну да, еще растет и вес набирает) мне хватало онлайн календаря с лихвой, а воду сирсов захотелось проскочить.
В целом, книга хорошая, но она сильно под настроение.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was predisposed to not be interested in Dr. Sears' books based on criticism I'd heard from others, but I received this book as a hand me down. Glad I did, as I found it really helpful - mostly the descriptions of what I might be feeling each month were dead on and very reassuring. Dr. Sears has strong opinions about what is ideal in certain aspects of pregnancy, which he makes clear. I have no problem with that and found that, rather than vilifying the other alternatives, he presented them factually and in a way that didn't deter me from considering them as also acceptable.

[Caranna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most pregnancy books I have read are written in a very fear based way. They list a typical pregnancy complication and 'this is normal, but it could also be a sign of all of these really scary complications. Call your Doctor right away!' But not this book. It is informative, reassuring and empowering.

This book talks about the struggles of pregnancy, why things are the way they are and how to alleviate symptoms and find relief. There is a lot less fear involved. Which is something that I really liked about this book.

[Lana. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - A good mix of science and medicine, as well as real life experience in the gentle tone of your experienced favourite uncle and aunt. (Not that chatty one -- that would be "What to Expect...")

At times quaint (e.g. assumes traditional families, includes a poem about pregnancy...), but also charming. Plenty of thoughtful and helpful advice (e.g. when to buy a nursing bra, journalling ideas...). I very much liked the interplay between Dr. Sears and Mrs. Sears which gives a more holistic view of what's happening to the body as well as the relationship.

[Erynchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably it is not latest version, I bought it certain years ago. However, it is best book and must-read when you are in first pregnancy. Even took some pregnancy class provided by hospital, this book provide more information and knowledge to try to reduce you fear.