Getting ready to welcome a new baby is an exciting time for the whole family, and reading up on what to expect throughout pregnancy & after is a great way to help you, your partner & your little ones feel more prepared.
These are our top pregnancy books for mums, dads & big siblings-to-be.
Pregnancy Books for Mum
What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Heidi Murkoff
When people think of pregnancy books, this is the one that most likely springs to mind.
Now in its 5th edition and having inspired a global franchise & blockbuster Hollywood movie, ‘What to Expect’ has been a trusted companion of mothers-to-be since it was first published in the 80s.
The simple question & answer style proceeds chronologically from conception, throughout your nine months (with a chapter dedicated to each) and into the postpartum period.
It’s fun, friendly & comprehensive.
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – Ina May Gaskin
If you’re interested in the idea of natural childbirth, then this one is a must-read.
With 30 plus years of experience as one of the world’s leading midwives, Ina May offers inspiring birth stories mixed with practical advice. All geared towards taking the fear out of childbirth & helping you learn to trust your body to do the job it’s made to do.
It’s positive empowering & inspiring.
The Mother of all Pregnancy Books – Ann Douglas
This book is perfect for the mum who likes to be fully informed but not patronised or preached to.
It covers topics from pre-conception all the way through to the postpartum period in a no-nonsense and unbiased way – aiming to help you to make informed personal choices that are right for you and your baby.
It’s informative, conversational & impartial.
Happy Mum, Happy Baby – Giovanna Fletcher
A Sunday Times Bestseller & the inspiration behind Giovanna’s popular Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, this is not so much a parenting advice book as a window into Giovanna’s own personal experience of motherhood.
It’s an upbeat and encouraging look at all aspects of life with young children, which aims to leave you feeling that you’re not alone.
It’s big-hearted, personal and very relatable.
Pregnancy Books for Dad
The Expectant Father – Armin A. Brott & Jennifer Ash
A comprehensive month by month guide that breaks down how the baby is developing, what the mother is likely to be experiencing & what the father should probably be thinking, feeling and doing at every stage.
It’s full of handy lists, bullet points and interesting info that dads-to-be are sure to enjoy
It’s comprehensive, down to earth dad-to-dad advice.
Don’t Just Stand There – Elissa Stein & Jon Lichtenstein
This one focuses purely on the big day & how dad can make himself useful during labour.
Written by a husband and wife team, each subject gets a ‘his and hers’ perspective which makes for a fun read. It’s also quite compact & quick to read – great for a busy dad-to-be.
It’s fun, focused & quick to read.
Pregnancy Books for Children
There’s a House Inside my Mummy – Giles Andreae
A lovely book, perfect for helping children prepare to welcome a new sibling.
It describes pregnancy through the eyes of a child, explaining why mummy might be feeling tired or eating funny things. It’s written completely in rhyme with colourful pictures throughout.
Perfect for ages 3 to 7.
I’m a Big Brother / I’m a Big Sister – Joanna Cole
These books focus on all the positive aspects of being a big brother or sister & all the ways an older sibling can help when a new baby arrives.
It’s perfect for building up older siblings’ confidence ahead of a new arrival.
Perfect for ages 2 to 5.
Happy reading mama!