These are the best pregnancy and fertility books
If you’ve made a conscious decision to start trying for a baby, swotting up on the subject might be the first thing on your mind. Yes, you can read most things online but being able to devour a book makes it feel a bit more real. You might even want to start leaving pages open for your other half to read, making mental notes on what you should be eating and cutting back on to aid your fertility, how to make sure you’re timing everything right and giving yourselves the best possible chances of conceiving.
Then the two pink lines appear on the pregnancy test, whether it’s something you’ve been hoping for after months or years of trying for a baby, or you find yourself in utter shock at the positive lying in front of you, we can probably guarantee you’re going be feeling excited but probably incredibly anxious, especially if it’s your first pregnancy.
The thing is, getting the positive result is always portrayed as the most exciting part in the early stages but the weeks that follow can be some of the most stressful because most women in the UK have to wait until weeks 8-12 (sometimes even beyond that) to get their first pregnancy scans and find out if that embryo has a beating heart.
While patience is key, getting yourself some pregnancy books in the meantime is a good way to stay positive and calm. Reading has been shown to put our brains into a state similar to meditation, and it brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm. Finding a book on pregnancy and what to expect in the weeks and months can be incredibly comforting, like having a fairy godmother at your disposal, helping to answer all those questions and debunk the myths. The best books are often written by experienced experts - whether they’re mothers themselves or have been treating mothers for years - and offer practical, real-life advice.
Of course, there are a LOT of pregnancy and fertility books out there and finding one that hits the right balance between arming you with enough knowledge but not too much that you feel overwhelmed and frightened can be tricky. Fear not, these are GLAMOUR’s edit of the best of the bunch.
What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff, £13.03, Amazon
It's one of the most famous pregnancy books of the lot, with 18.5 million copies sold in print to date. The fifth edition of this classic guide book is filled with up-to-date must-have information, advice, insight, and tips for a new generation of parents, answering every conceivable question expectant parents could have. This UK version has been adapted from the original US version so medical advice is relevant.
How to Grow a Baby and Push It Out by Clemmie Hooper, £10.75, Amazon
Clemmie's a mum of four and midwife, sharing a easy-to-read guide on all parts of pregnancy, with some funny stories, top tips and truths about birth and mothering young children you don't always hear about. From how to battle pregnancy sickness and how to prevent tearing to what to pack in your hospital bag, this will be your like pregnancy BFF by the end.
My Fertility Guide: How to get Pregnant Naturally by Dr Attilio D’Alberto, £12.99, Amazon
The author is an fertility expert, having helped couples struggling with fertility for over 20 years. This book offers in-depth explanations on how to optimise your lifestyle from exercising, work, sleep to clothing, footwear and even baths versus showers all based on the latest cutting-edge research together with the tried and tested theories of Chinese medicine and ways to improve your fertility.
The Gynae Geek by Dr Anita Mitra, £10.99, Amazon
This book is actually great for any woman who needs an education in gynae health, not just those planning a pregnancy. Dr Anita is a London-based doctor specialising in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and her funny, honest and hugely practical book offers an accurate and insightful account of everything from periods, ovulation and smear tests to getting pregnant and the menopause. It's a book every woman needs to own.
The Trying Game by Amy Klein, £10.65, Amazon
For anyone struggling to get pregnant, this might be a comfort. Amy Klein has been there. Faced with fertility obstacles, she quickly became an expert. After nine rounds of IVF, four baby losses, three acupuncturists, two rabbis, and one reproductive immunologist, she finally became a mother. And she written all about the things she wishes she’d had when she was trying to get pregnant. With advice from medical experts as well as real women, she outlines your options every step of the way.
Your Baby, Your Birth: Hypnobirthing Skills For Every Birth by Hollie de Cruz, £8.49, Amazon
In-demand hypnobirthing coach Hollie de Cruz provides you with the skills and tools to make any birth feel safe, calm, connected and empowering. Drawing on her experience working with new mums, including Fearne Cotton and Giovanna Fletcher, Hollie de Cruz helps you prepare for a positive (not 'perfect') birth experience and approach motherhood with confidence in yourself and your instincts.
The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond by Marie Louise, £11.55, Amazon
A useful book for anyone who is trying for a baby or recently discovered that they are pregnant, senior midwife Marie Louise will be like you're helping hand through every aspect of pregnancy and beyond, with straight-forward tips that will help you make the biggest, most positive difference to you and your baby as you navigate these life-changing months.
The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant by Jean M. Twenge, £8.40, Amazon
This is a fab guide for anyone who has no time to waste in the baby-making department. The book offers a complete guide to getting pregnant-the medical, psychological, social, and sexual aspects, told in a straight-forward, funny, and compassionate manner, like talking to a good friend who's been through it all. Jean Twenge covers everything you'll be wondering about and debunks a lot of the myths about pregnancy and conceiving too like the 300-year-old fertility statistics about age that are still cited widely today.
Taking Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler, £17.98, Amazon
This bestselling book has helped hundreds of thousands of women achieve pregnancy, avoid pregnancy naturally, or, by understanding signs and symptoms at various times in their cycles, gain insights into their bodies and better control of their health and lives, allowing you to maximise your chances of conception before you see a doctor.
