Best Pregnancy Books
Pregnancy is an exciting, yet overwhelming experience for many expecting parents. With so much to learn and prepare for, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Thankfully, there are a variety of pregnancy books available that provide straightforward facts from medical sources, humorous anecdotes and support from experienced parents, and advice for non-pregnant partners.
Reading these books during pregnancy can help prepare for the next nine months and beyond.
Reading is one of the best ways to connect with your unborn child! Here, you will find helpful books to read during pregnancy that focus on the unique experience of being pregnant and the joys of parenthood.
Why You Should Read During Pregnancy
Reading during pregnancy is an important part of taking care of the physical and mental health of the mother-to-be. It can help to reduce stress, provide comfort, and even improve the baby’s development. Reading books specifically about pregnancy can be especially beneficial.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting is a popular book on pregnancy that covers everything from pre-pregnancy to post-pregnancy. It breaks down pregnancy month by month and week by week, as well as covering labour and delivery, postpartum sickness, pregnancy loss, multiple pregnancies and nutrition.
This book provides valuable information for pregnant women so they can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
In addition to reading books about pregnancy, it is also important to get advice from a qualified nutritionist or dietician about what to eat and avoid during pregnancy.
5 Books from 5 Genres — To Accompany You During Your Pregnancy
Reading during pregnancy can be a great way to appreciate the journey of motherhood. Books can provide an emotional outlet for soon-to-be mothers, allowing them to explore different feelings and experiences as they prepare for their new arrival.
To make this journey even more enjoyable, five delightful books have been selected from five different genres to provide a range of emotions throughout the pregnancy.
The list includes a classic novel, a self-help book, a memoir, a children’s book and a poetry collection. Variety and diversity have been prioritized in order to avoid any monotonous experience.
Each book is intended to accompany the reader throughout their pregnancy, providing comfort and joy during this special time. From exploring the joys of parenthood in “Oh The Places You’ll Go!” by Dr Seuss to reflecting on life’s lessons in “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, these books will help soon-to-be mothers to appreciate the journey of motherhood.
1. Poetry- The Essential Rumi
The Essential Rumi is a collection of 13th-century Persian poet, scholastic, and Sufi mystic Rumi’s most exquisite verses. An American poet Coleman Barks gives us Rumi’s startling visions and euphoric emissions with contemporary rhythm and import.
This book offers profound wisdom that remains relevant to this modern era, helping readers become better individuals. It is an invaluable source of insight into the human condition and our relationship with the divine.
The Forest of Enchantments by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a 2019 novel which retells the tragic love story of Ram-Sita from Sita’s perspective. The novel places Sita at the center and celebrates womanhood with a burning passion.
It has earned praise from both readers and critics for its humane and relatable approach to one of the world’s greatest epics.
2. Indian Mythology — The Forest of Enchantments
The Forest of Enchantments is a 2019 novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni that retells the tragic love story of Ram-Sita. This novel places Sita at the center and celebrates womanhood with a burning passion, offering readers a different perspective on the mythic tale of Ramayana.
It is an exploration of the human emotions and relationships that are often overlooked in traditional retellings. The novel delves into the complexities of Sita’s life, from her childhood to her marriage to Rama, and ultimately her exile.
Through this story, Divakaruni brings out the strength and resilience of Sita as she faces numerous challenges throughout her life.
The Essential Rumi is a collection of 13th-century Persian poet, scholastic, and Sufi mystic Rumi’s most exquisite verses. An American poet Coleman Barks gives us Rumi’s startling visions and euphoric emissions with contemporary rhythm and import.
3. Self Help — Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is the go-to resource for expecting mothers. Written by a unit of health care specialists, ranked no. 1 on US News & World Report’s 2020–2021 Best Hospitals Honor Roll, this book is easy-to-understand and on point, unpretentious and thorough.
It provides unparalleled month by month guide and insights that most mothers recommend over any other famed self help maternity book.
The book is written from the perspective of doctors who are also parents, so it offers guidance on hard-to-make decisions such as when to go back to work and whether or not to circumcise. It also provides information about pregnancy week by week and what’s safe and healthy to eat and do at each stage.
With its comprehensive coverage of all aspects of pregnancy, the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is an invaluable resource for expectant mothers looking for reliable advice from experienced professionals.
4. Non Fiction — Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames
Anger is a powerful emotion that can have devastating consequences if not managed correctly. Thich Nhat Hanh’s book, Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames, offers advice on how to cool the flames of anger and restore relationships.
The book provides insight into understanding and managing the difficult emotions associated with anger, such as frustration, disappointment, and hurt. It also explores how to use mindfulness techniques to recognize and manage our own anger before it gets out of control.
The book follows 10-year-old August Pullman, who has a rare genetic condition causing him to have a facial deformity. Through his story, the book deals with the ins and outs of being a different looking child dealing with bullying, as well as exploring how people form judgments based on appearances.
It also shows the fallibility of parents despite their best efforts in trying to protect their children from harm. Wonder tells the story of the struggles we face in life and how having a supportive family can help us through them.
5. Fiction — Wonder
Wonder is a powerful and inspiring story about the struggles of being different and how people form judgments based on appearances. The book follows 10-year-old August Pullman, who has a rare genetic condition causing him to have a facial deformity.
It explores the fallibility of parents despite their best efforts to help their child, as well as the importance of having a supportive family to help us through difficult times. Through August’s journey, readers gain insight into the complexities of human emotions, particularly those related to maternal feelings.
The story also emphasizes the need for managing and controlling anger in order to maintain healthy relationships and physical health.
Thich Nhat Hanh offers advice on how to do this effectively, showing readers that uncontrolled anger can have devastating effects on both our mental and physical wellbeing.
Wonder encourages readers to experience it for themselves in order to gain insight into its themes and ultimately learn how to better cope with life’s struggles.
Reading Is More Important Than You Think — Here’s Why!
Reading is an essential part of life, and it can be even more important during pregnancy. Reading for pleasure can help develop literacy skills and boost confidence as a mother. It can also reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and psychological distress.
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic recommend reading as part of a regular night routine for better sleep, suggesting printed alternatives over digital versions. Taking care of the mother’s physical and mental health should be a priority during pregnancy, and reading books can help to achieve this goal while providing an enjoyable activity for the mother-to-be.
Reading has numerous benefits that are often overlooked or taken for granted. It helps to increase knowledge, expand vocabulary, improve concentration, and foster creativity. Additionally, it can provide emotional support by allowing mothers to escape into another world or gain insight from characters in stories.
Reading is also beneficial for mental health; it reduces stress levels and encourages relaxation which is especially important during pregnancy when hormones are fluctuating and emotions are heightened.
