One Sentence Summary
This is a comprehensive resource book for pregnant mums to understand the stages of pregnancy, as well as physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes.
Book Genre
Non-fiction pregnancy guide.
Main Topic Of The Book
The uncertainties and changes that come with being pregnant, and how to best cope with such challenges.
Key Ideas
- Physical changes: Detailed information about baby development in the womb and what to expect in each trimester. Advice on diet, exercise, and proper medical care.
- Emotional changes: Recognizing the changes that come with pregnancy, and advice on staying positive throughout the journey.
- Lifestyle changes: Tips on adjusting to the lifestyle changes that come with having a baby and how to manage the added stress and fatigue.
Main Parts Of The Book And A Short Summary
- Part I: Getting Ready: Explains preparing for pregnancy, physical changes that come with it, preconception issues, fertility and conception, pregnancy test options, and more.
- Part II: What To Expect When You’re Expecting: Covers the stages of pregnancy in detail, describing what to expect in each trimester, and how to cope with the physical and emotional changes that come with it. Also includes lists of foods to avoid and what vitamins and nutrients to take.
- Part III: All The Practical Stuff: Explains the financial implications, choosing a health care provider, and additional screenings or tests you might need.
- Part IV: Labor & Delivery: Provides advice on labor and delivery as well as what to expect in the postnatal period.
- Part V: Pregnancy After Delivery: Covers life with a newborn, from feeding and sleep issues to postpartum recovery.
- Part VI: Your Growing Family: Explores the challenges parents face when expanding their families, such as fertility issues, adoption, and parenting multiple children.
Key Takeaways
- It is important to prepare for pregnancy mentally and physically.
- Understand the physical and mental changes that come with each trimester.
- Take time to adjust to the lifestyle changes that come with having a baby.
- It is important to get the right medical advice whilst pregnant.
- Breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery are all important topics to be aware of.
- Raising your family can be a difficult challenge, but with the right tools and resources it can be made easier.
Author’s Background And Qualifications
Heidi Murkoff is a highly acclaimed American author, best known for her book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”, which is now in its fifth edition. She is the co-author and editor of the series, and the founder of the What To Expect brand which includes books, magazines, websites, apps, and more.
Target Audience
The primary target audience is pregnant women in their first or second trimester, and their families. However, it is also a valuable resource for anyone affected by pregnancy: healthcare providers, family members and friends, and more.
Publisher And First Publication Date
The book was first published in 1984 by Workman Publishing Company, and the fifth edition was published in 2017.