What to Expect When You're Expecting (What to Expect)

"I was given this book by a friend and can honestly say I so pleased that they gave it to me. You can skip sections and come back to areas that you are unsure of. It has questions by people in the same situation and answers them clearly.

I was concerned about a few of the myths surrounding the birth- for example my waters breaking whilst still at work or in the middle of the supermarket....but the book actually puts things in perspective.

Having a pregnancy that resulted in seeing a consultant for most of it, I have found this book useful as it gave more information on what was wrong than the consultant (To whom its all routine - and you always forget to ask when face to face) without scarying me.

I am sure there are many books out there that give alot more information but as a really busy person, I liked this book as it gave answers quickly.

"
~ Written on 2008-06-28

"I was very disappointed by this book. Yes, it's full of information, but it is presented in a very detached and negative way. Perhaps americans like to know all the possible problems of pregnancy but I prefer some reassurrance with the possibility of further information if I need it. I have found other books to present the same information in a much more positive light, with complications and further information listed in a separate section... It felt cold, too clinical... No colour, no personal input... Not a book I am turning to on a regular basis! Where is the JOY?"
~ Written on 2008-04-25

"I loathe the style this book is written in, it is extremely prissy and presents a very US, medicalised and narrow-minded approach to pregnancy. it assumes you have a partner (straight and married) and that you have constant medical care, from the same person who acctually gives a damn. The first GP i saw for my first pregnancy (who i never saw again), did no tests and basically couldn't have cared less. I NEVER saw the same person twice during my pregnancy and the birth. The book is also totally hopeless in regards to anything even slightly 'alternative', in fact i think it borders on scaremongering. Also whoever wears clothes like the poor lady on the cover should be shot - there is NO excuse to dress in leggings and a peach sweater - EVER!!!

The only positive I can say is that i do like the structure and although I hate the style of writing it does cover a lot of material."
~ Written on 2008-04-19

"The drawback for this book is it clearly explains almost every possible complication. With the monthly format it is a lot to read at a time. The list of complications and possible symptoms each moth can be very daunting. Yet with all of that the book is also a great resource. It gives you many things to consider that you may never have thought of. It is much more comprehensive than many other pregnancy books. It has some nice charts in the back to help you keep track of weight, size and other notes for the Doctor's or Midwives. It also has a section for coping with pregnancy loss and also preparing for the next child. A good resource for any couple expecting a child. With over 12 Million copies sold this book now, in it's 3rd edition has been trusted by many people. The authors have also written:
What to Expect the First Year
What to Expect the Toddler Years
What to Expect Eating Well When You're Expecting
The What to Expect When You're Expecting Pregnancy Organizer "
~ Written on 2008-04-02

"Like a number of other reviewers I found this book too negative, too American and, despite the focus on all that can go wrong, it didn't actually deal with my pregnancy related complications.

Thankfully, a friend lent me her copy of Dr Lesley Regan's "Your pregnancy week by week" and I no longer had to refer to "what to expect"."
~ Written on 2008-03-05