The Best Pregnancy Books to Answer Your Next 9+ Months of Questions

Selecting the “best” pregnancy book is no easy task. After all, each reader prefers a different writing style, tone and perspective. But through our extensive research, we discovered that Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide displayed many of the qualities prospective parents are looking for in a pregnancy book. It’s non-judgmental, informative and balances medical facts with real-life experience. In addition to thousands of five-star reviews, this book was recommended to us by Jessica Lagrone, a certified doula, childbirth educator and founder of Balanced Families. “This is my favorite pregnancy book because the information is up-to-date and includes conventional information as well as traditional wisdom about the physiological and hormonal changes and considerations for new mothers,” she explains.

Exactly as the title states, this go-to guide covers all aspects of pregnancy, delivery and baby’s first few months. First published in 1979 and revised numerous times (most recently in 2024), this popular pregnancy book for parents-to-be is filled with information on what to expect with your growing belly. Not only does it cover the basics, but this book also includes a pregnancy stretching guide, tips on nutrition, quotes from real moms and the latest research and answers to your baby questions. In the sixth edition, readers can also find updated information about breastfeeding, surrogacy, stress reduction and dietary guidelines. Plus, there’s also advice on creating birth plans with doulas and C-sections when necessary. Trust us, this perennial favorite is a must-have during pregnancy.

Number of pages: 560 | Year published: 2024 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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Emily Oster is a professor of economics at Brown University, as well as a mother. When she was expecting, she found that pregnancy is full of accepted norms and conventional wisdoms that rarely come with explanations (why shouldn’t you have a cup of coffee, anyway?). Expecting Better uses the kind of hard data you’d expect from an award-winning economist to debunk the myths, demystify the “rules” and offers real advice for a laid-back, relaxed and peaceful pregnancy.

While some people take issue with Oster’s approach, this book is incredibly popular. It was well received by our survey respondents, as well as being a staff pick. Natalie Gontcharova, mom of one and senior editor of lifecycle at The Bump, likes that Oster’s books are strictly evidence-based and that they “distill all the relevant, available research so that parents and parents-to-be can make their own decisions.” Josie B., an expectant mom and survey respondent, agreed. “The book is based on facts and practical advice. It allows the reader to make their own decisions rather than the author preaching about her own choices,” she said. With that in mind, if you’re feeling the weight of other people’s opinions, this book may help lighten the load and empower you during this important time in your life.

Number of pages: 368 | Year published: 2024 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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Looking for a science-based guide to pregnancy? The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy provides trustworthy medical information from doctors at the reputable Mayo Clinic. And as an added bonus, those doctors are parents too, so they know exactly what you’re experiencing. This pregnancy book breaks down baby’s growth by week and mom’s changing body by month, and includes a 40-week pregnancy calendar, symptom guide and illustrations. Forum member tigerfish227 was a big fan of this book throughout their pregnancy journey. “It was very straightforward without being scary, and I loved the comprehensive symptom section. Made all the weird things happening to me seem very normal, which is calming to the mind for sure,” they shared. The revised book was released in July 2024, with all the great elements of previous editions but with updated research, inclusive language and an increased focus on pelvic floor health during and after pregnancy.

Number of pages: 536 | Year published: 2024 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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Nourish your body and mind with the help of this pregnancy cookbook. It’s written by prenatal nutritionist Ryann Kipping, and features 100 flavorful recipes that were specifically designed for moms-to-be. Readers love that the recipes are healthy, delicious and simple to follow. Moreover, these meals can help curb common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, heartburn and constipation. Brownie points go to the bonus self-care tips and “mommy milestones”, which also appear in the book.

Number of pages: 241 | Year published: 2019 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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With 30 years in print and more than a million copies sold, you know this week-by-week pregnancy guide is doing something right. Even better, it came recommended by Heather Bartos, MD, a gynecologist and women’s health expert based in Frisco, Texas. “This is/was my favorite: it broke everything down by each week of gestation,” she told us. Forum member lindsaymarimen agrees, saying: “I love Your Pregnancy: Week by Week. It goes into detail each week[.] Also, in the beginning weeks, it gives you a picture of baby's actual size. I always liked looking at that.”

Now in its eighth edition, Your Pregnancy Week by Week offers current, medically grounded information delivered in a caring, conversational style. The illustrated guide includes detailed descriptions of baby’s development, tips on nutrition, information about medical tests and procedures—plus a list of safe exercises you can do during pregnancy.

Number of pages: 480 | Year published: 2016 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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If you’re nervous about becoming a first-time mom or simply want to learn to trust your own body, you’re not alone. We recommend reading Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood by birth and postpartum doula Erica Chidi Cohen. This book presents prenatal education in a comprehensive and approachable way. It looks at everything through an integrative lens, offering the best of both worlds—science-backed information and holistic inspiration—to help expecting parents find a balanced birthing approach.

Along with trimester-specific tips, the author helps moms-to-be chart emotional and physical changes through journaling prompts, mindfulness exercises and more. It’s touted as a judgment-free pregnancy companion, and reviewers agree, describing the tone of the book as gentle yet empowering. Basically, this book is the next best thing to hiring a doula—and forum members totally agree. “Just started this, and I like it a lot so far! Seems like Doula-in-Book-Form for someone who might be interested in hiring a doula, but can't afford one,” says orbmaker.

Number of pages: 448 | Year published: 2017 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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For a personal take on motherhood, you can’t go wrong with Like a Mother. In this book, food and culture writer Angela Garbes offers her own perspective on miscarriage, pregnancy and motherhood. Readers love the non-judgmental tone—especially around the topic of medicated vs. non-medicated childbirth—with one person describing her writing as a “balm” to negative self-talk and external pressures. This book is very much personal, though it still dives deep into the science of pregnancy and uses research and quotes from a variety of medical professionals. While it probably won’t be the only pregnancy book you read, this title is definitely one first-time moms should add to their bookshelves.

Number of pages: 448 | Year published: 2019 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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If you’re feeling anxious about labor and delivery, this maternity book may alleviate some of your worries. Throughout its pages, Ina May Gaskin—the former president of the Midwives Alliance of North America—will walk you through her gentle approach to natural childbirth. Based on the midwifery model of care, this pregnancy book has been considered the gold standard for natural childbirth for decades. It contains everything you need to know about having a drug-free birth, and how to approach and manage pain during labor.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth is frequently mentioned in The Bump forums, and members of our editorial team found it immensely helpful during their pregnancy journeys. Daniel Carroll, dad of one and associate director of e-commerce content for The Bump, shared that this book was a go-to for him and his wife leading up to their daughter’s birth. “​​[Our midwife] practice recommended this book to us, which became our constant companion for the rest of pregnancy. I remember my wife particularly appreciated the birth stories—it was her first pregnancy, and being able to see what other women had experienced in such personal terms meant a lot to her,” he says.

Number of pages: 400 | Year published: 2003 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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Written by a doula who has attended hundreds of births, this book offers advice on how to have as natural a birth as possible in a hospital setting. It’s split into three sections: Preparing for birth, giving birth and pulling it all together. While all of each is useful, parents particularly like the comprehensive chapter on birth plans. This goes into detail on how to create an effective yet concise birth plan that can be used as a roadmap during delivery. Moms across the board say this book is helpful, whether it’s their first or fourth time giving birth.

Number of pages: 272 | Year published: 2018 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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During our research on the best pregnancy books for dads, one title cropped up constantly: The Expectant Father. Why? Well, for one thing, it doesn’t lean on lazy stereotypes or lame jokes. Instead, this book focuses on what men go through—psychologically and emotionally—on the path to parenthood. “My husband is reading it and really enjoying it,” says The Bump forum member, mrsflamingo. “It seems to be one of the few pregnancy books for dads that doesn't talk down to the reader- a lot of them act like the dad-to-be is a total idiot and are very condescending in tone.”

Moreover, The Expectant Father provides practical tips and a wealth of information on baby’s development as well as the different stages of pregnancy. Expectant parents from The Bump community love how this book has prompted dialogue between them and their partners about pregnancy. “My husband also got The Expectant Father. He’s brought up a couple of topics he read about, so I think it must be pretty informative,” says KatieSfeb2012. “It has led him to spark some conversations, I think he otherwise wouldn't have, and I think the content is a good balance of what he's likely to be going through, what I'm likely to be going through and what we should be preparing for. I like it,” shares another forum member. Needless to say, this is an impactful book for first-time dads and their partners as well.

Number of pages: 336 | Year published: 2021 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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For those who want to support their loved one to the best of their ability during childbirth, The Birth Partner, Sixth Revised Edition is for you. This inclusive pregnancy and labor guide is written for dads, doulas, relatives and friends. (In other words, anyone who might fit the description of a birth partner.) “There is a TON of info in there, and while it's written for partners (so far seems to focus on husbands), it's great for the mom too. It goes through the last few weeks of pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period,” shares one member from The Bump forums. Filled with practical tips, this book will help you recognize when labor has begun, take you through the process step by step and advise you on how to care for your partner in the postpartum period.

In this most recent version of the best-selling book, renowned doula and childbirth educator Penny Simkin, PT, is joined by Melissa Cheyney, PhD, a birthing expert and practicing midwife. Readers can expect to find extensive, up-to-date insights on medical knowledge, changes in hospital and home-birth protocols. Plus, the book now explores the role a parent’s culture plays in creating an ideal birth plan.

Number of pages: 432 | Year published: 2024 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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If this is your first pregnancy, this maternity book is a great starting point. Its fresh approach and relatable tone will have you nodding your head from start to finish. You’ll learn all the new-mom basics here, but the book keeps things relatively high level, which means it’s perfect for a breezy read that’s informative without getting too deep in the weeds. “It is written in layman's terms and is relatable. It’s organized by trimester. I have found it to be enjoyable and would say there is nothing I don't like about it,” mom-to-be Paige S. told us. All in all, Bumpin’ is the obvious choice for those craving a lighthearted read that’s more than just funny.

Number of pages: 384 | Year published: 2019 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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If you’re searching for a pregnancy book that feels like it was written by a friend, Dear Future Mama is sure to be a great fit. In it, singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor offers a warm, humorous guide inspired by her pregnancy journey. The book contains expert advice from Meghan’s personal trainer, ob-gyn, registered dietitian and even her husband—plus, plenty of personal stories on everything from body image to navigating her career as a mom.

“I loved Meghan Trainor's book Dear Future Mama,” shares Nicole S., a mom of one. “It felt like having a conversation with your best girlfriends about the ups and downs of pregnancy. She kept it real and shared her experience (with a sense of humor) while acknowledging that her experience may look very different from yours.” To that end, Dear Future Mama empowers moms-to-be to find their own paths forward and recognize that there’s not one way an expectant parent should feel, think or do during pregnancy.

Number of pages: 240 | Year published: 2023 | Available on Kindle: Yes

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