So you’re pregnant—that’s a scary thought, isn’t it?! Well, if there’s one book you’ll be suggested to read by pretty much all soon-to-be moms it’s What to Expect When You’re Expecting, written by Heidi Murkoff.

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The current paperback 4th edition spans 640 pages and details pretty much all the questions you’ve ever had about being preggers. It offers tips, hints and humour to keep you sane during your pregnancy. Below are example questions Murkoff covers to reassure your trailblazing mind (remember, Google-ing questions always results in crazy people on BabyCenter!).

  • I’m so queasy I can’t even eat for one. How can I eat for two?
  • Can I get highlights in my hair? How about my monthly wax?
  • I’m only in my second month—why am I showing already?
  • Can I stick to my normal workout routine while I’m expecting?
  • Why is my skin broken out and blotchy? And how can I cover it?
  • What’s safe when it comes to sex?
  • I think I felt the baby kicking—but I’m not sure. How do I tell?
  • Will my body ever be the same after I deliver?

So after buying the book, was it worth the read? I can’t answer that because the book wasn’t exactly finished. There comes a time when too much information can be overwhelming and can ‘freak out’ new moms and dads—for reals!

Hence, this book will be a great guide to follow as you make your way through your pregnancy if you have specific questions. But at the end of the day, savvy online research can result in finding your answers more quickly in a more reassuring manner after reading about other people’s similar fears and experiences. 

So at the end of the day: should you buy this book? Of course you should, because you don’t want to be the one to say you “don’t have” this book when asked. Despite its ability to scare you pretty well, it’s a valuable resource to have on the shelf. 

Pros:

  • Lots of tips, hints and questions answered about being knocked up and what to expect (duh)
  • Also helpful for daddy to read with good information for them to absorb
  • Written with USA medical factors in mind, so Canadians need to be aware

Cons:

  • It’ll freak you out with what’s coming up next
  • Too much information can be overwhelming
  • Note the two points above

You can buy this book by clicking the links here: Amazon.ca or Amazon.com