Preparing for Baby The 10 Best Pregnancy Books of 2021 Read up and prepare By Maya Polton Maya is a mother of three and freelance writer specializing in family, food, and lifestyle content. She reviews products for Verywell Family. Learn about our editorial process Maya Polton Fact checked by Fact checked by Daniella Amato on April 14, 2021 Daniella Amato is a biomedical scientist and fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Learn about our editorial process Daniella Amato Updated on April 26, 2021 Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Best Overall: What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff at Amazon "A solid option for moms-to-be, it includes chapters on specific info such as symptoms and week-by-week developments." Best Activity Book: 50 Things to Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Moms Pregnancy Guide by Jill Krause at Amazon "With specific activities tailored to every stage of pregnancy, it's bursting with real-life information for moms who love lists." Best Data-Driven: Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong by Emily Oster at Amazon "The author examines data on nearly every decision pregnant women will need to make and encourages making an informed choice." Best Holistic: The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth by Genevive Howland at Amazon "Full of weekly advice for every stage of pregnancy, this holistic-focused book includes nutrition tips and natural remedies." Best for New Dads: The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide by Armin A. Brott at Amazon "Written for dads-to-be, this book offers men all the tools they need to support their partner and prepare for baby’s arrival." Best Modern: Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy by Leslie Shrock at Amazon "Written in a humorous style, the modern guide combines clinical research with practical advice from experts." Best for LGBTQ Pregnancies: The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy for Lesbians by Rachel Pepper at Amazon "Focusing on the unique needs of lesbians, the helpful book covers info on fertility, sperm banks, conception, and legal rights." Best Humourous: Say No to Placenta Pics by Jillian M. Parsons at Amazon "Ideal if you're looking for a lighter read, this comedic pick is an uncensored tell-all guide to pregnancy." Best for Multiples: What to Do When You’re Having Two by Natalie Diaz at Amazon "Calm some nerves with this well-loved twin survival guide, which helps parents plan for the changes and challenges." Best for Intended Parents: Successful Surrogacy an Intended Parent's Guide by Susan MZ Fuller at Amazon "Written by an experienced gestational surrogate, Susan MZ Fuller, the guide helps to demystify the process." Pregnancy is an exciting time, but can also be full of nerves. Changes to your body and surprising symptoms can come out of nowhere and for first-time parents-to-be, it’s an entirely new experience. Getting prepared for the nine months ahead is key to mental and physical health. Reading a pregnancy book (or two!) can be a helpful experience to learn more about your body and the changes ahead. Keep in mind that whichever book you choose should have science-backed, clinically proven information from reputable sources. And whether this is your first, second, or third time around, the best book is the best book for you—whether you’d like something conversational or more informational. Here are the best pregnancy books to suit your lifestyle, needs, and situation. Best Overall: What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Pros Very comprehensive Includes information for dads Has an accompanying app Cons Length may feel overwhelming A classic book for good reason, this choice is a worthy option for moms-to-be that want one comprehensive book. Don’t be intimidated by the 600+ page book—you don’t need to read every single page. The book includes chapters on specific info such as pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy lifestyle, info for dads, carrying multiples, and also week-by-week developmental information. Best Activity Book: 50 Things to Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Moms Pregnancy Guide by Jill Krause Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Pros Organized by trimester Offers activities to complete Quick read Cons Not as in-depth as other options Organized by trimester, this book will help women take things one step at a time. There’s specific guidance and activities tailored to every stage of pregnancy. Inclusive and logical, this book is bursting with real-life information that can be very useful for moms who love lists and step-by-step guides. Best Data-Driven: Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong by Emily Oster Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Pros Calm tone Includes clinical research Quick read Cons Some reported printing errors in physical copy Written by an award-winning economist, this book debunks myths and explains pregnancy by evaluating data. The author presents and examines data on nearly every decision pregnant people will need to make, encouraging them to make their own informed choice. Readers appreciate the calm and informative tone of this book. What Our Editors Say "If you only read one pregnancy book, this is my personal recommendation. The author's data-driven search for answers around the most common pregnancy dos and don'ts made me feel better about the decisions I was making about my body and my growing baby. She provides helpful clarity around confusing guidelines and explains why, for instance, we're told to avoid certain foods or drinks. During my first pregnancy I kept the book in my purse when I went out to eat because I bookmarked the page with a helpful diagram about which fish are best to eat and best to avoid." — Ashleigh Morley, Commerce Editorial Director The 14 Best Gifts for New Parents of 2021 Best Holistic: The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth by Genevive Howland Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Pros Provides weekly advice Holistic-focused Includes helpful recipes Cons Claims are not always based in science Emphasizing that having a baby is a wondrous biological process and not a medical condition is the overall focus of this book. Full of weekly advice for every stage of pregnancy, this holistic-focused book also includes nutrition tips, natural remedies, birth stories, and expert advice. Best for New Dads: The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide by Armin A. Brott Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Pros Organized by month Includes information about adoptions and having multiples Quick read Cons Not as in-depth as other options Get dad involved with his very own expectant father book. Written just for dads-to-be, this book will give expectant papas all the tools they need to support their partner, prepare for the new baby’s arrival, and take care of themselves during the exciting nine months ahead. The 19 Best Gifts for Dads of 2021 Best Modern: Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy by Leslie Shrock Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Pros Lighthearted tone Includes clinical research and practical advice Organized by trimester Cons Not as in-depth as other options Parents-to-be will appreciate that this choice is written in a frank and funny style. The modern guide includes clinical research mixed with practical advice from a bevy of experts including ob-gyns, therapists, doulas, lactation experts, pelvic floor therapists, and more. The combination results in a useful book that highlights trimester-by-trimester overviews, pregnancy symptoms and relief, important decisions to consider, registry tips, exercises, and so much more. The 24 Best Gifts to Buy Expecting Moms in 2021 Best for LGBTQ Pregnancies: The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy for Lesbians by Rachel Pepper Courtesy of Barnes & Noble Buy on Amazon Buy on Barnesandnoble.com Pros Easy to read Inclusively written Very comprehensive Cons Material is dated An easy-to-read guide, women will appreciate that this pick focuses on the unique needs of lesbians. Starting from pre-conception through newborn life, the helpful book includes information on fertility, sperm banks, conception, pregnancy, legal rights, and more. Inclusively written, there’s relevant and specific content for both coupled and single women. Best Humourous: Say No to Placenta Pics by Jillian M. Parsons Buy on Amazon Buy on Booksamillion.com Pros Lighthearted tone Quick read Relatable Cons Doesn't provide a lot of traditional information If a light and funny guide will put you at ease, choose this book. Co-written by two girlfriends, this funny pick is an uncensored tell-all guide to pregnancy. A great gift, this choice will have most expectant people cracking up, although it’s not as full of traditional information as some of the other options. Best for Multiples: What to Do When You’re Having Two by Natalie Diaz Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop.org Pros Quick read Includes practical advice Lighthearted tone Cons Not as in-depth as other options Finding out that you are expecting twins can be a big shock. Calm some nerves with a well-loved twin survival guide. The comprehensive book includes information from pregnancy through the first year. The twin-specific info will help parents plan for the unexpected and accept the changes (and challenges) that two babies will bring. The 9 Best Twin Baby Products of 2021 Best for Intended Parents: Successful Surrogacy an Intended Parent's Guide by Susan MZ Fuller Buy on Amazon Pros Demystifies surrogacy process Quick read Has helpful "ask yourself" prompts Cons Not as in-depth as other options The path to parenthood is different for everyone. For intended parents on the path of surrogacy, this title is a guide that helps intended parents and surrogates create a rewarding relationship through their pregnancy journey together. Written by an experienced gestational surrogate, Susan MZ Fuller, the guide helps to demystify the process. Final Verdict If you want just one book that will provide you with week-by-week information and useful tips, What to Expect When You’re Expecting (view on Amazon) is a tried and true resource. For a second source, choose a lifestyle-specific guide or the 50 Things to Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Moms Pregnancy Guide (view on Amazon) that’ll keep mom busy and engaged for nine months. What to Look for in a Pregnancy Book Reputable Information Make sure that the book you are relying on for information bases its information on science, medical information, and reputable sources. While the book doesn’t need to be written by a doctor to be helpful, it is important to check out the author to make sure they are legit. Tailored to Your Needs Whether you are expecting twins, an LQBQT mom-to-be, a science-based reader, or a more lighthearted person, there’s a pregnancy book out there to fit your style and preferences. Choose a book that suits you! You’ll be more likely to read it and absorb the info if you connect with the content. Why Trust Verywell Family? Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Maya prepped for her first pregnancy reading a few different books but nothing could have prepared her for reality. Her oldest was born in a taxi cab, in the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, on the way to the hospital! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit