Best Pregnancy Books for New Moms

There are a ton of pregnancy books out there, and it can be hard to know where to start.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

Jump to List

Being pregnant is such a roller coaster. You’re a giant ball of hormones and morning sickness, and you go through the ups and downs of feeling excited, anxious, impatient, and terrified multiple times a day. Having a solid set of resources to help answer questions and feel more prepared can help with all of the ups and downs that come with being a mom-to-be.

Here is a list of books that I found really helpful while I was pregnant:

1. Expecting Better by Emily Oster

This was probably my favorite read overall. When I searched for answers to my pregnancy questions I found an insanely broad spectrum of information and opinions. It was so overwhelming! In this book, the author dives into a lot of common questions that often have conflicting answers- subjects like diet, risks during pregnancy, and different options for your labor and delivery. Rather than just providing an answer, she provides the education and research for you to come to your own conclusions.

2. Cribsheet by Emily Oster

Written by the same author as Expecting Better, Cribsheet focuses on the 4th trimester through early childhood. While this isn’t technically a book about pregnancy, the detailed yet easy-to-read information about the postpartum experience made me feel prepared for the arrival of my first baby. Having this peace of mind throughout my pregnancy was huge, and I recommend this for all moms-to-be, especially those that are feeling anxious about what to expect after their little one arrives.

3. The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth

by Genevieve Howland

Howland focuses on the more holistic side of pregnancy, but does so in a way that’s nonjudgmental and meets you where you’re at in terms of a natural approach to pregnancy. There is a lot of information but it’s not dense or overwhelming. Howland combines quality research with interesting facts and great visuals, making it a really informative read that’s also fun.

4. All About Pregnancy and Birth with Dr. Nicole Rankins

This is actually a podcast, but I’m including it in my list because it was such a valuable resource for me. Dr. Nicole Rankins is an OB/GYN who covers an incredible range of pregnancy-related topics through her interviews with moms, medical professionals, and even yoga instructors. It’s your one-stop shop for everything from fertility to body image to doulas, and because it’s a podcast, you can listen to it on the go.

5. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by Dr. Myra J. Wick

The Mayo Clinic is the one of the OGs when it comes to pregnancy books and for a good reason. If you haven’t been able to find an answer to a pregnancy question, I’m 99% sure you will find it in this book. Each week of pregnancy is covered in depth, from nutrition to baby’s development to your own body changes. It’s definitely not a light read, but it was my go-to resource when I wanted to look something up.

6. Baby Bomb: A Relationship Survival Guide for New Parents

by Kara Hoppe & Stan Tatkin

If you are going through your pregnancy with a significant other, I highly suggest you read this book together. Babies are so great, but they will turn your world upside down, and the changes they bring can impact the relationship between you and your partner. Written by a psychiatrist and a marriage and family therapist, this book stresses the importance of working together as a team and gives you tools for maintaining a solid relationship so you can be successful partners and parents.

7. Growing You by Korie Herold

Technically this is a journal, but I absolutely loved using it throughout my pregnancy. It has thoughtful prompts, plenty of space to free-write, and includes sections to record special milestones. It helped me stay present during my pregnancy, and it’s been so fun to look back on since having my baby.

.