Expecting? These Are the Best Pregnancy Books to Answer All Your Burning Questions (2024)

Best Overall: "What to Expect When You’re Expecting"

Why We Like It: One of the most comprehensive books on the topic, with clearly marked chapters so you can skip around as needed.

But Take Note: The length may feel overwhelming.

What to Expect When You're Expecting tops our list because it's one book filled with all the information you need to know about pregnancy. Don’t be intimidated by the 600-plus-pages; you don’t need to read every single page.

The book includes chapters on specific information such as pregnancy symptoms, pregnancy lifestyle, info for non-birthing parents,needs of those carrying multiples, and week-by-week developmental information. There's also guidance on how to manage pregnancy complications and cope with pregnancy loss.

Best Activity Book: "50 Things to Do Before You Deliver: The First Time Mom's Pregnancy Guide"

Why We Like It: This quick read gives expecting parents a to-do list that's both practical and fun.

But Take Note: The information is not as in-depth as other options.

Organized by trimester, this book will help expecting parents take things one step at a time. There’s specific guidance and activities tailored to every stage of pregnancy. The things to do include finding a doctor or midwife, downloading apps, and even planning special nights out to plays and movies.

Inclusive and logical, this book is bursting with real-life information that can be very useful for those who love lists and step-by-step guides.

Best Data-Driven: "Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong—and What You Really Need to Know"

Why We Like It: The calm tone and detailed research empowers parents to make their own choices.

But Take Note: The author is an economist, not a medical professional.

Written by award-winning economist Emily Oster, 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, like what to eat, what kind of screenings to undergo, and how and where the birth will take place.

We appreciate the calm and informative tone of this book that encourages parents to make their own informed choice when presented with so many confusing guidelines.

Best Holistic: "The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth"

Why We Like It: It's a helpful guide for parents looking for alternatives to traditional medical advice.

But Take Note: The claims are not always based in science.

The overall focus of this book is emphasizing that having a baby is a wondrous biological process, rather than a medical condition. 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 for Dads-to-Be"

Why We Like It: Involves fathers-to-be, when they are so often the afterthought in pregnancy books.

But Take Note: Some may find the advice condescending.

Get dads involved with their very own expectant father book. Written just for them, 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.

Best Modern: "Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy: Navigating the Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Journey from Conception Through Birth and Beyond"

Why We Like It: The lighthearted humorous style makes it more readable than a dry textbook.

But Take Note: It's not as in-depth as some 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 gives trimester-by-trimester overviews, pregnancy symptoms and relief, important decisions to consider, registry tips, exercises, and so much more.

Best for LGBTQ+ Pregnancies: "The Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy for Lesbians: How to Stay Sane and Care for Yourself from Pre-conception through Birth"

Why We Like It: It's easy to read and comprehensive, covering both legal and medical information.

But Take Note: Some material is dated.

An easy-to-read guide, women will appreciate that this pick focuses on the specific needs of lesbians starting a family. 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 Humorous: "Say No to Placenta Pics: And Other Hilarious, Unsolicited Advice for Pregnant Women"

What We Like: It's a quick, relatable read, and makes a great gift.

But Take Note: Doesn't provide a lot of traditional information

If a light and funny guide will put you at ease during your pregnancy, choose this book. Co-written by friends Jillian M. Parsons and Allison Baerken, this funny pick is an uncensored tell-all guide to pregnancy. It makes a great gift, and 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: The Twins Survival Guide from Pregnancy Through the First Year"

What We Like: It's a lighthearted source of first-hand info on the very different experience of carrying multiples.

But Take Note: It's not comprehensive or written by a medical expert.

Finding out that you are expecting twins can be a big shock. Calm some nerves with this well-loved twin survival guide, which 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.

Best for Intended Parents: "Successful Surrogacy: An Intended Parent's Guide to a Rewarding Relationship With Their Surrogate Mother"

What We Like: It demystifies surrogacy process for parents-to-be and gestational carriers.

But Take Note: Some may not like the discussion question format.

The path to parenthood is different for everyone. For those who choose surrogacy, this title is a guide that helps intended parents and gestational carriers create a rewarding relationship through their pregnancy journey together. Written by an experienced gestational carrier, Susan MZ Fuller, the guide helps to demystify the process.

Best Eating Guide: "What to Eat When You're Pregnant: A Week-by-Week Guide to Support Your Health and Your Baby's Development"

Why We Like It: It includes 50 recipes as well as information about babies' development.

But Take Note: It could use more vegetarian options.

Whether you’re already expecting or contemplating a journey to parenthood, What to Eat When You’re Pregnant doubles as a weekly food guide for expecting parents. Readers will learn dozens of new recipes while learning about a baby’s development.

We love the book’s easy-to-understand diet breakdown, including what foods to eat each trimester and how to keep food safe. Plus, author Nicole M. Avena, Ph.D., has additional advice for those who plan to nurse, so you can use the book even after birth.

Best for First-Time Parents: "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy"

Why We Like It: With clinical expertise, it details common pregnancy symptoms and includes a 40-week pregnancy calendar.

But Take Note: Some information feels repetitive.

The Mayo Clinic’s Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is a favorite among many new parents and caregivers thanks in large part to the book’s 40-week pregnancy calendar. Soon-to-be parents can track their baby’s development each week while learning about their own body’s constant changes.

The book explains the benefits and risks of different types of childbirth, like home births, C-sections, and more. There are also several chapters on postpartum topics, including breastfeeding and contraception, to help you troubleshoot any issues you may have.

Best for Plus-Size Pregnancies: Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant: Expert Advice and Comforting Wisdom for the Expecting Plus-Size Woman

Why We Like It: It's co-written by a medical expert and a plus-size mom, giving both practical and emotional support.

But Take Note: Some of its material is dated.

There is an underwhelming number of resources for plus-size pregnant people, who face unique challenges and stigma during pregnancy and after childbirth. Co-written by an obstetrician who specializes in plus-size pregnancies and a plus-size mom, Big, Beautiful, and Pregnant delivers practical and reassuring advice for expecting plus-size parents on everything from maternity clothes to potential medical risks to fatphobic doctors.

Best for Pregnancy After a Loss: Rebirth: The Journey of Pregnancy After a Loss

Why We Like It: A therapist addresses physical, emotional, and psychological considerations for parents.

But Take Note: These topics may be triggering and hard to read about.

Written by an expert therapist and licensed social worker, Rebirth provides insight and support for people who are expecting a baby after experiencing pregnancy loss. From advice on how to handle the emotional fallout of a loss to how to talk to your doctor, this book offers a roadmap for pregnant people and their partners in the immediate aftermath of a loss, through the grieving process, and beyond.