The Panic-Free Pregnancy: An OB-GYN Separates Fact from Fiction on Food, Exercise, Travel, Pets, Coffee, Medications, and Concerns You Have When You Are Expecting

by Michael S. Broder, Patricia Carroll

While most pregnancy books only address the stages of the baby's development, The Panic-Free Pregnancy comprehensively covers the lifestyle issues and questions that confront every mom-to-be. Dr. Broder separates fact from fiction, media hype from old wives tales, and drawing on the latest scientific research offers an accessible, comprehensive reference book that answers questions about...

� Caffeine
� Exercise
� Flying
� Prescription and over-the-counter medications
� Sex
� Cosmetics
� Alcohol
� Herbal remedies
� and more

Organized in an easy-to-use question-and-answer format, this book will help women have the safest, healthiest, most anxiety-free pregnancy possible.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

The research of Michael S. Broder, MD, has been cited in numerous newspapers, magazines, and television shows, including 20/20, Health, Prevention, Parenting, and Family Circle. His work has been published in scientific journals such as JAMA and Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as in the Los Angeles Times. Dr. Broder is an assistant clinical professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and vice president of Zynx Life Sciences, a research group in Beverly Hills, California.

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd like to see a revised edition that is more current soon, as I know there's research happening all the time. I also would have liked to see a section about cosmetics. Otherwise, it was a great book and answered a lot of my question.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for worry warts like me, but honestly, there were a few things in this book that I hadn't thought to worry about before reading about them here! Also, if you are the type of person that is prone to worrying and researching, one author telling you you can eat sushi and drink a little alcohol probably isn't going to make you run to the sushi bar for tuna rolls and sake bombs because the vast majority of people are telling you that it's not okay. If you're the type of person that just needs to hear from one person that it's okay, then you'll probably like this book a lot. I enjoyed the book, but I can't say that it really changed my behavior at all.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it was a little bit longer; I read it in like 30 minutes. Very helpful research-backed advice that separates fact from the mommmy wars, pregnancy police-induced hysteria that's all over the internet and the country right now.

[Kenley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this chronic worrier (even before pregnancy,) this book was just what the doctor ordered. I'd find something new to worry about each day and finally came to the end of my rope. I picked up this book, recommended by another mom-to-be, and read it all in one night. Fantastic. The way this doctor addresses almost every general question possible about pregnancy and birthing processes, a peace was brought to my reeling mind. In the world of googling every questionable activity, food item or funny feeling imaginable while pregnant (and subjecting oneself to horror stories that only exacerbate panic) this doctor's "no worries!" approach brings peace. I'm not going to rush out and get a roll of raw fish sushi or glasses of wine, as he indicates are "ok," but the fact that he's so much more laid back than most doctors (and google-doctor-wannabes) brings a peace of mind that has helped me a lot. After all, the worry I was allowing myself to be washed with is probably worse for the baby than any of the questionable pregnancy issues I was contemplating in the first place.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be useful if you are prone to anxiety or feel that you are getting conflicting information from other sources. I would caution that since the book was written in 2004, there is some information (especially concerning recent scientific research findings) that are now very much out of date. Most of the book is still relevant and useful but there are a few areas that I would recommend doing further research in order to become familiar with the most recent developments (e.g. Listeria concerns).

[Elli Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good approach toward understanding the current scientific studies about what is really worth worrying about during pregnancy.

I only give it 4 stars because it is a bit out of date at this point (written in 2004) and I think there are some recent studies that have come out in the last eight years that may conflict with the information available at the time this was written. But on the whole, this was a very good reference about pregnancy risks and when it's worth worrying about them.

[Leanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting, skimming over Q&A portions I found less interesting. I have a lot of anxiety, and I am not pregnant. I thought reading this book could possibly help me in the future. I already feel better. The author seemed the voice of reason--giving lucid caution in scenarios where it is warranted and placating fears where things tend to get amplified. I would definitely recommend this book to fellow worriers.

[Nancy Farrelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic theme is myth vs. reality. many precations are not based in danger to the baby but making your pregnancy more comfortable and less stressful. Like for instance avoiding Sushi. There's no evidance that it can harm the baby BUT you have to decide if while you are preganant you are willing to risk food posining and the trouble that would bring. It's all about balance.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful to help assuage my fears during pregnancy! There are so many things you're not supposed to do during pregnancy, but this book really explains the reasoning behind why doctors tell you these things -- so you can make informed choices - the occasional cup of coffee or glass of wine aren't bad for you or the baby. Thank goodness!

[Stephanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was some useful information in this book; however, overall I felt like he blew off legitimate concerns. He seems very blase about toxins and medicines and other things that can affect a growing baby. I wouldn't recommend this book to someone who wants to weigh both sides of an issue before making an informed decision.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great starter book for a newly pregnant first time mother-to-be or someone trying to conceive. I am anxiety prone and was a little overwhelmed by all the changes I needed to make when I first learned I was expecting. I appreciate how the book separates fact from myth and provides correlating research that helped me make informed decisions.

[Sarah O'Neill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was okay. My friend recommended it to me as a good place to go to see what to actually avoid. It does help quell a lot of the anxieties around "Oh god everything will harm my baby", but it also didn't provide much new information that I hadn't read everywhere else.
It's not terrible, but it's also not the best.

[Heather Griffitts Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and will buy my own copy when the time comes - it really debunked a few myths that worry warts like me tend to obsess over....namely, issues with my cat George and his litter box - I feel much better about the situation.

Good read :)

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! That might be because it said I could eat sushi :) but mainly I liked that the author is not an alarmist and didn't disregard natural methods as I have seen many mainstream doctors do. Definitely a must-read for pregnant women.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Must read for pregnant women...it amazes me how many bogus "rules" there are for pregnant women - as if pregnancy wasn't stressful enough! This was a refreshing "grain of salt" to add to all the recommendations I was reading and hearing.

[Kitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I hated the question and answer format. Seemed much less data driven than expecting better and much more judgmental than the joy of pregnancy. Or maybe it's just my problem, and I just don't respect pregnancy books written by men. Honestly, I mostly skimmed it.

[Ashley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

BUY THIS BOOK WHEN YOU GET PREGNANT. It explains why some things are "off limits" while you're pregnant, and it debunks a lot of BS crap that people will tell you. Love love love this pregnancy guide!!!

[Jessah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little outdated, but still an incredibly useful primer on how to make responsible decisions for your baby and yourself rather than listening to every old wives tale that people feel entitled to spew at you when you're pregnant.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't necessarily agree with every single thing in this book, but overall it has been informative and helpful with my pregnancy anxiety.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a MUST read for any first time mom to be. My midwife recommended it and I've since past it on to several friends.