11 Best Pregnancy Books (2024)

If you seek a reliable reference to get you through the ups and downs of pregnancy, trimester by trimester, The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is your book. Filled with facts and helpful information, this pregnancy book has an informative and authoritative tone that won’t scare expectant parents. The book contains an index of symptoms for quick reference, and a 40-week pregnancy calendar which arms you with knowledge fast without your having to read about everything that could possibly go wrong.

Parents say

“I got the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy and am loving it!”

“I asked my ob-gyn and they said the only book they recommend is the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy.”

“I had the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy with my first and I didn't read it cover to cover but it was nice to have as a reference book when I had questions.”

Heads up

The content is informative, but some find it stale.

Specs

• 520 pages
• Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions
  

Since it was first published in 1986, this detailed book has become the best-known, most-read pregnancy how-to on parents’ bookshelves. Pregnant people and their partners will get a thorough rundown in just what’s happening in that growing belly month-by-month, as well as what happens at each doctor’s appointment, common issues that can arise during pregnancy, prepping for breastfeeding, eating right during pregnancy, and so much more. With a friendly tone that feels like an invested older sister tell you everything you need to know, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is a classic.

Heads up

Some parents say this book’s on the longer side and they preferred to read it in chunks rather than straight through.

Parents say

“I second the What to Expect book. I think it makes a great reference book especially for first timers.”

“I love reading What to Expect When You're Expecting every week. Makes me feel validated with all these weird symptoms.”

Specs

• 656 pages
• Paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook editions
  

With a friendly and funny tone, author Adrian Kulp takes the expectant first time dad through the pregnancy journey and beyond into that first year with the baby. This book is divided up into month-by-month sections that allow the dad-to-be to follow their partner through pregnancy. This is a practical choice for the dad that wants to be hands on and needs a little guidance.

Heads up

This book is filled with humor, but is also informational. If you are looking for something more straightforward, you might prefer other options on the market.

Specs

• 292 pages
• Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions

The Belly Book is a great first purchase when you initially learn that out you’re expecting. It also makes a fun addition to a baby shower gift. Filled with colorful pages, this pregnancy journal allows you to document all the major milestones of your pregnancy. Organized by weeks, not months, this journal has fun and practical questions to inspire your pregnancy journaling. There is plenty of space for adding in ultrasound pictures and little mementos that you might collect during pregnancy. The tone of this journal is laid back and fun; you’ll definitely enjoy looking back at your pregnancy thanks to The Belly Book.

Heads up

Some wish the space to paste your ultrasound pictures was larger.

Parents say

“This is my fourth pregnancy and I’ve used The Belly Book during each of my pregnancies.”

Specs

• 96 pages
• Hardcover and spiral bound editions
  

Unlike any other pregnancy book on the market Pregnancy, OMG! is a book that covers what your body really goes through during pregnancy. You won’t see pregnancy through rose colored glasses thanks to this book. Covering all the crazy questions you have as you lay in bed at night you will get a realistic view of all the changes a woman’s body experiences throughout pregnancy. This book’s colorful pages really illustrate real women’s bodies, and this guide is filled with techniques and tips to deal with it all to calm your anxiety with humor and truth.

Heads up

This book is a realistic view of the reality of pregnancy andthe changes women experience. It is not designed for someone looking for a softer approach.

Specs

• 224 pages
• Paperback and Kindle editions
  

We wrote the book we wanted to read while we were expecting twins. This easy-to-navigate guide will take you all the way through your twin pregnancy to your twins first birthday. It is practical, informative and anecdotes from real-life parents that have been there. The book is honest, relatable, and will remind you that bringing two babies into the world at once can be a very positive experience.

Heads up

The book is written from the perspective of the American medical system.

Specs

• 182 pages
• Paperback, Kindle, and audio CD editions
  

Not your average “how to prepare for baby #2” book, Waiting for Birdy is for women expecting their second, who are looking for more of a support group on these pages. With her funny and candid voice, Catherine Newman covers what it's like to be pregnant all the while trying to parent and be there for your family. If you pick up this book you will relax, finally knowing that you're not alone in your thoughts and anxieties that arise during your second pregnancy. This book will connect to those that think they can’t possibly love another child as much as they love the one they currently have.

Heads up

This book mostly relates to having a child while waiting for the second, rather than focusing on pregnancy with the second baby.

Specs

• 272 pages
• Paperback
  

This famous YouTube sensation and successful blogger/influencer wrote a book filled with real stories from parents who have experienced a natural childbirth to empower women to take control of the birth they have always wanted the natural way. Written as a week by week guide, this book is informative, yet fun all while giving you healthy tips for a natural pregnancy and delivery. This book covers diet, toxins, labor, natural pain relief, and more.

Parents say

“I love the Mama Natural Week by Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth to help prepare for labor.”

“I highly highly recommend The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth!”

Heads up

This book is great for those looking for an intervention-free child birthing experience.

Specs

• 528 pages
• Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions

This book is an amazing find for readers really wanting to hone in on healthy habits both for pregnancy; even supporting you in preconception. Written by pediatric experts Martha Sears, RN and William Sears, MD, this guide dives into healthy eating, exercise, genetic testing, delivery, choosing the right doctors and childbirth classes with a reassuring tone.

Heads up

Some find the recommendations and guidance to be old-fashioned.

Specs

• 464 pages
• Paperback, audiobook, and audio CD editions

If you like friends that shoot straight, telling you it like it is, then The Girlfriend’s Guide to Pregnancy is the pregnancy book written just for you. Written to feel like your best friend is giving you the inside scoop on what really goes on during pregnancy, this book's sarcastic, yet lighthearted tone is filled with humorous anecdotes that will teach you how to gracefully handle things like embarrassing pregnancy gas. With its recently updated version, this pregnancy book is a top seller for a reason.

Parents say

“A Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy is the best book and easy to read in my opinion.”

Heads up

The sarcastic tone is meant to be lighthearted, but might not be for everyone.

Specs

• 288 pages
• Paperback, audiobook, and audio CD editions

If you are looking for a book to help you to feel confident and educated as you embark on your breastfeeding journey, Lactivate! is for you. Jill Krause gets straight to the point, with her informative and judgement free tone, helping women feel empowered while breastfeeding and pumping. From what to do and also how to troubleshoot when things don’t quite go the way you planned, all aspects of the journey are covered between these covers, all while emphasizing the importance of managing your mental health through it all.

Heads up

This is a quick and easy read as it’s only 194 pages; there are more exhaustive guides.

Specs

• 194 pages
• Paperback and Kindle editions