Pregnancy can be a very confusing time for soon-to-be parents. As you have probably heard of various advice from people regarding pregnancy, how can you know which advice you should follow, and which are actually myths? This is where pregnancy books come in.
Pregnancy books, which are written by mothers or professionals who have more knowledge about pregnancy-related information, serve the function of giving you better clarity about the steps you should take during pregnancy.
Why should I read pregnancy books?
The best pregnancy books are handy tools, especially for first-time parents. It is a trusty resource for advice and tips so you can understand what is happening to a mother’s body while a baby grows inside her womb.
In addition, these books can help you weed out the facts from myths, like should you be eating for two?
Furthermore, these materials can give soon-to-be parents reassurance that they are doing the best they can as they prepare for the arrival of their little ones.
6 best pregnancy books for tips and guidance
With a wealth of published material out there, we trimmed down the lot and selected the best pregnancy books to help guide you through your nine-month journey.
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Book
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Best for…
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Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: 2nd Edition
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Scientifically-Backed Information
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Expecting Better
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Debunking Myths and Providing Reliable Information
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Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy
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Practical Step-By-Step Approach
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The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth
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Holistic and Affirming Tips
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Real Food for Pregnancy
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Nutrition Facts
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The Little Book of Self-Care for Mums-To-Be
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Self-Care
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[product-comparison-table title="6 Best Pregnancy Books"]
Best for Scientifically-Backed Information
Whether you are a first-time parent or not, the second edition of the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is a handy source to have as you go through nine months of pregnancy.
From questions about the safe use of medications, and what foods to eat and avoid, to the safe exercises you can do, this book answers all of them.
More importantly, you can read about the latest in prenatal care and childbirth, which can help prepare and decide about delivery.
Best of all, you can be sure that this book is backed with evidence-based data, as it is written by medical experts from Mayo Clinic.
Features We Love:
- Mayo Clinic obstetrics and gynecology experts as resource persons.
- 40-week pregnancy calendar.
- New information about the latest in prenatal care and childbirth.
Best for Debunking Myths and Providing Reliable Information
If you’ve come back from your ob-gyne appointments without really getting clear answers about your pregnancy questions (like why you cannot have sushi or that glass of wine), you might want to pick up a copy of this book.
Economist Emily Oster looked at data and provides clarity behind commonly accepted pregnancy rules, separating facts from myths. Reading her book can help calm your anxiety about what you can and cannot do while pregnant.
Topics about weight gain, bed rest, and whether you can consume cheese, will equip you with more information. It may even make you a more empowered pregnant woman once you’re done reading.
Features We Love:
- Debunks myths.
- A simple explanation of scientific data.
- Non-judgemental tone.
Best for Practical Step-By-Step Approach
Treat Bumpin’ as a virtual hand you can hold throughout your pregnancy. It does not just tackle the usual pregnancy topics that deal with the physical changes in your body. It also discusses the changes in your everyday life like work and relationships.
The book will provide you with an overview of each trimester, from conception to the postpartum period. Aside from that, you can read about topics like vaccines, safe exercise, and tips about breastfeeding.
In addition, you’ll also learn about budgeting, how to prepare for unexpected changes, and how to handle returning to work postpartum.
Author Leslie Shrock combines clinical evidence and practical advice from experts in this guide that will be a great companion in your pregnancy journey.
Features We Love:
- Trimester overview.
- Advice about preparing for curveballs.
- Budgeting and finance tips.
Best for Holistic and Affirming Tips
Genevieve Howland, of the popular Mama Natural blog and YouTube channel, has written the book accompaniment for women who want to go through pregnancy and childbirth the natural way.
In this book, you will get weekly advice about your nutrition, how to naturally treat common pregnancy symptoms, and educate you when to have appropriate medical interventions.
What’s great is you also hear from mothers of different backgrounds about their pregnancy and birth stories. Aside from that, there are various resource persons like Certified Nurse Midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and Registered Nurses.
Features We Love:
- Natural remedies to symptoms.
- Labor and breastfeeding tips.
- Fun, inspiring tone.
Best for Nutrition Facts
Avoid the confusion about what to eat and what to avoid when you’re expecting by getting a copy of Real Food for Pregnancy. This book is filled with up-to-date and evidence-based information for optimal prenatal nutrition.
Aside from knowing what to eat for a healthy pregnancy, the book also provides insight into how the food you eat can help ease common pregnancy symptoms.
In addition, it also covers topics about exercise, breastfeeding, and mental health, which all cover the postpartum period.
A customer who bought the book also noted how the book helped her with her pregnancy as she is a type 1 diabetic.
Features We Love:
- Backed by research.
- Combines modern science with traditional wisdom.
- Covers topics beyond pregnancy.
Best for Self-Care
This is for first-time and nth-time-around mums who tend to forget about themselves when expecting. Do not drown in information about how to care for the growing baby inside us and prepare for their arrival. Instead, read this book and learn to embrace your pregnancy however it unfolds.
Written by doula Beccy Hands and midwife Alexis Stickland, this book will give you tips on how to be happy, calm, and comfortable through the nine months of carrying your baby.
Best of all, Hands and Stickland have a loving and supportive voice that will help you have a more positive approach to your pregnancy.
Features We Love:
- Tips on how to alleviate symptoms and relax.
- Supportive and reassuring tone.
- Covers various topics.
Price Comparison
To further help you with your purchase, here is a quick look at the prices for the best pregnancy books available in Singapore.
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Book
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Price (in SGD)
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Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: 2nd Edition
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$32.46
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Expecting Better
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$23.41 / $100
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Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy
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$27.81
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The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide
to Pregnancy & Childbirth
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$31.52
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Real Food for Pregnancy
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$69.46
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The Little Book of Self-Care for Mums-To-Be
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$24.28
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Note: Each item and price is up to date as of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Final tips for parents-to-be
While these pregnancy books are great resources to accompany your journey, be sure not to treat them as a bible with infallible information. Do your due diligence and err on the side of caution when it comes to deciding about your health and that of your baby.
Most of all, make sure you and your doctor are on the same page when it comes to your pregnancy. Seek your doctor’s advice and go signal before proceeding with any new method or diet during pregnancy.
During your pregnancy, you may find it hard to sleep. Hence, better check out this blanket to help you sleep better: Best Electric Blankets in Singapore to Keep You Warm While Pregnant
