Pregnancy is a significant phase in a woman’s life marked by physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. It is a time of growth and preparation, not just for the baby but for the mother as well.
Understanding what to expect during pregnancy can reduce stress and help you make informed decisions. From early symptoms to prenatal care, childbirth preparation, and postpartum recovery, there are many aspects to learn about.
Best Pregnancy Books
Reading well-researched and reliable sources is one of the best ways to stay informed. Books written by medical professionals, birth educators, and experienced parents can offer valuable support.
To help guide you through this incredible journey, here is the list of the best pregnancy books filled with trusted information, empowering insights, and practical advice for every stage of pregnancy.
1 
What to Expect When You’re Expecting: (Updated in 2025)
- A completely revised and updated edition of America’s pregnancy bible, the longest-running New York Times bestseller ever.
- With 18.5 million copies in print, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is read by 93% of women who read a pregnancy book and was named one of the “Most Influential Books of the Last 25 Years” by USA Today.
- This cover-to-cover (including the cover!) new edition is filled with must-have information, advice, insight, and tips for a new generation of moms and dads.
- Murkoff, Heidi (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 656 Pages - 05/31/2016 (Publication Date) - Workman Publishing Company (Publisher)
2
We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook
- Kulp, Adrian (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 292 Pages - 04/24/2018 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
3
The Simplest Pregnancy Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Gross, S. M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages - 08/22/2023 (Publication Date) - The Simplest Company (Publisher)
4
Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition
- Nichols, Lily (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 346 Pages - 02/21/2018 (Publication Date) - Lily Nichols (Publisher)
5
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)
- Oster, Emily (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 06/24/2014 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)
6
The First-Time Mom’s Pregnancy Handbook: A Week-by-Week Guide from Conception through Baby’s First 3 Months (First-Time Mom’s Handbook)
- Huntpalmer, Bryn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 198 Pages - 12/03/2019 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
7
Designed to Thrive: Exploring God’s Blueprint to Feed Your Baby with Confidence
- Gustafson, Lindsay (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 110 Pages - 10/03/2025 (Publication Date) - Streamline Books (Publisher)
8
Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood―and Trusting Yourself and Your Body
- Supportive self-care and mindfulness exercises trimester-specific holistic remedies nourishing foods and recipes for every month of pregnancy and expert tips for every birth environment.|More than 40 charming and helpful illustrations charts and lists can...
- Chidi, Erica (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 448 Pages - 10/24/2017 (Publication Date) - Chronicle Books (Publisher)
9
Pregnancy Day by Day: Count Down Your Pregnancy Day by Day with Advice from a Team of Experts
- Hardcover Book
- DK (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 496 Pages - 01/24/2023 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
10
The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start
- Angelo White, Dana (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 220 Pages - 09/20/2016 (Publication Date) - Callisto (Publisher)
11
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, 3rd Edition: Evidence-Based Insight and Real-Life Tips for Expecting Parents, from the World’s Leading Medical Experts (Mayo Clinic Parenting Guides)
- Wick M.D. Ph.D., Dr. Myra J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 536 Pages - 07/23/2024 (Publication Date) - Mayo Clinic Press (Publisher)
12
Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy: Navigating the Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Journey From Conception Through Birth and Beyond
- Schrock, Leslie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 12/17/2019 (Publication Date) - Simon Element (Publisher)
13
Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool (The ParentData Series)
- Oster, Emily (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 352 Pages - 04/21/2020 (Publication Date) - Penguin Books (Publisher)
14
Praying Through Your Pregnancy: A Week-by-Week Devotional for Expecting Moms – Christian Pregnancy Journal and Keepsake Gift for First-Time Moms and New Parents
- Jennifer Polimino (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - 07/23/2024 (Publication Date) - Revell (Publisher)
15
You Will Rock As a Dad!: The Expert Guide to First-Time Pregnancy and Everything New Fathers Need to Know
- Grace, Alex (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 146 Pages - 11/27/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
16
The Simplest Baby Book in the World: The Illustrated, Grab-and-Do Guide for a Healthy, Happy Baby
- Gross, S.M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 304 Pages - 11/16/2021 (Publication Date) - The Simplest Company (Publisher)
17
What to Expect the First Year: (Updated in 2025)
- Murkoff, Heidi (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 704 Pages - 10/07/2014 (Publication Date) - Workman Publishing Company (Publisher)
18
Pregnancy Journal for First Time Moms Gifts - 90 Pages Hardcover Pregnancy Memory Book, Beautiful & Cute Baby Book Keepsake, Ultrasound Baby Scrapbook, Mom To Be Gift (Alpine)
- Stay Organized - The Inspire Pregnancy Journal is a beautifully designed hardcover, ring-bound pregnancy book with 90 guide-you-through pages and a keepsake envelope so that you have everything you need at a glance throughout your pregnancy.
- The Complete Pregnancy Planner and Baby Memory Book - Covers every stage of your pregnancy, doctor's visits, trimester planners, baby registry checklist, birth plan, and baby's arrival and has ample spaces for pregnancy milestones, notes, and photos.
- Inspirational Pregnancy Memory Book - Every pregnancy is a new adventure for moms-to-be. We designed the Inspire Pregnancy Memory Book with 7 well-organized chapters filled with inspirational quotes to encourage a positive pregnancy.
- Personalized Pregnancy Books for First-time Moms - Showcase your favorite ultrasound picture for birth announcements or gender reveals. This gender neutral baby memory book and mom journal is a great photo prop for baby boys and girls.
- Pregnancy Must Haves - Pregnancy journals for first-time moms and dads make the best gift for expecting mom and parents-to-be. The Inspire Pregnancy Baby Books Planner comes beautifully packaged in a gift box, making it the ideal Mother's Day Gifts for...
19
The Complete Pregnancy Book for First-Time Moms: From Getting Pregnant To Postpartum Recovery: With 300+ Practical Solutions, A Week-by-Week Guide, ... Of Pregnancy And Beyond (The Mama Series)
- Friel PharmD, Dr. Rhowela Albana (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 354 Pages - 05/10/2025 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
20
The Couples’ Pregnancy Guide: How to Navigate Pregnancy and Childbirth as a Team
- Ward, D'Anthony (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 04/18/2023 (Publication Date) - Zeitgeist (Publisher)
Having the right resources during pregnancy makes a powerful difference in how you experience the journey. Quality information supports emotional wellbeing, enhances decision-making, and prepares you for the changes ahead.
The best pregnancy books cover everything from nutrition and fetal development to mental health and labor strategies. These books are designed to educate, empower, and guide you through the stages of becoming a parent.
Whether you’re looking for week-by-week guidance or deeper insights into the birthing process, you’ll find a trusted companion in the titles included here. Let these expert resources support you during this life-changing time.
Explore this collection and discover which books align with your pregnancy journey and personal needs.
