Rating: 
Summary: Every pregnant mother should read this book
Review: I give a lot of credit to this book for helping me delivery healthy (6 lb. and 7 lb.) twins. My babies were calm and happy. They didn't have colic or ever experience any allergies. When you are pregnant, you are the factory providing the nutrition that your fetus receives. However, I am sure that most people are not really knowledgeable about nutrition and good eating habits. I didn't find this book to be "alarmist", but to be an excellent reference source. "What to Eat When You're Expecting" provides excellent lists of resources (e.g., foods that provide calcium, folic acid, vitamin A, etc), menus, caloric intake recommendations, and recipes. Reading it made me feel that I had some control over the outcome of my pregnancy. when I find out that a friend is pregnant, I insist that she read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Whole Foods
Review: The approach of the "What to Expect Series" wasn't really my style, but I did like some of the nutritional information in "What To Eat When You're Expecting". It helped me to read this book before I got pregnant. I don't structure my eating habits exactly as they say, but instead use the advice to add to my own nutritional knowledge and preference. This way of eating (along with other nutrition books I have read) has improved my health, and well being. Cutting back on sugar has done wonders for my mood, digestion and resistance to catching common illnesses (also with morning sickness I can't eat things that are too sweet). Eating whole grains has also improved my digestion, and I prefer the taste. It is helpful to learn about the different nutritional contents of various vegetables. As a vegetarian this book has helped me to understand how much protein (and other nutrients) I need in all the stages of my childbearing years, and for my family (makes the process a lot less stressful for me).However, in early pregnancy or anytime I have morning sickness I just eat whatever I can get down and keep down. Each woman will find what works for her. The most important thing is to listen to our bodies as best we can and to eat well when we can. Also, they recommend non-stick cookware and I prefer stainless steel. There are many other great pregnancy books with nutrition info. Some recipe books I have enjoyed are "The Organic Baby and Toddler Cookbook" (delicious and fun recipes), "The Vegetarian Lunchbasket" and "Feeding The Whole Family" (this book has great information on cooking with beans, whole grains, and sweeteners other than refined sugar). I also found "The New Vegetarian Baby" to have good info on using whole grains other than wheat.
Rating: 
Summary: Definitely REALISTIC and POSSIBLE and so worth it!!!
Review: I worked full-time, ran a home-based business on the side and was STILL able to follow this diet easily. It just takes a little planning and a committment to give your baby the best start possible!!! My baby daughter was born at 35 weeks and spent her first 11 days in the NICU. She was supposed to be behind developmentally, but she has always been ahead (still just a normal kid, but many preemies don't recover that quickly). She is now 3 years old and has never been sick except a couple of colds - and I'm pregnant and I am following the Best Odds Diet from this book again. It's worth it!!! You only have one chance to start your baby's life off right...why not take it! Even if it does put a wrinkle in your lifestyle. If you aren't willing to make sacrifices and go the extra effort, maybe you shouldn't become a parent! I know that sounds harsh, but think about it...our children deserve the very best that we can offer. Happy eating and best of health!!!
Rating:
Summary: Some good info, but should be taken 'with a grain of salt'
Review: I need to start by saying that after I read the first chapter, I called my husband who was on a business trip in a major panic concerned that b/c I am already 4 months along and have not been following this diet that our child might turn out to have major birth defects and learning disorders all thru life. It took him 10 minutes to talk me off my ledge and convince me that everything will be okay. That being said, I did return to the book and skipped only to the few pages that lists which foods fall into which categories, and wrote out a 'rough' menu plan for the week. I think that there is some good information here, but I believe that the book is way too condemming and too extreme for most. I could see them recomending 'stay away from refined sugars at much as possible,etc, but to say that they should be totally banned or that you should be racked with guilt if you have a cookie is absolutely ridiculous. My advice if you are going to read this book, is to skip to the few pages of food lists and use it as a very rough model.
Rating: 
Summary: Unrealistic
Review: This book is very unrealistic. Yes, you need to eat well when pregnant, but come on!
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: If you think this book is as thorough as the original "What to expect when you're expecting" you will be disappointed. It has amazingly little information about what NOT to eat-- especially in terms of the latest FDA recommendations on fish consumption and mercury. It also lacks important information about harmful herbs and supplements. It seems to be trying to be politically correct--at what cost? Your baby's health? I thought the book "Your pregnancy week by week" by Curtis and Schuler (which I bought at the same time)is much more thorough in all areas. The chapter and tidbits on nutrition are better than this entire book. 2nd time pregnant reader in Charlotte
Rating: 
Summary: Impossible
Review: Though this book does lay out some good guidelines, they are impossible to follow for anyone who doesn't just sit at home all day. My doctor also cautioned that drastically changing your diet can do more harm than good because it can mess up how your body is used to working. Cut down on bad things (salt, sugar) and add more good things (proteins, veggies).
Rating:
Summary: Great guidelines, something to aspire to
Review: More and more studies are proving that what you eat during pregnancy can directly improve your baby's development, and that how your child eats can impact his health for the rest of his life. Yes, the suggestions are hard to follow, particularly eating out or at other's homes. But it is well researched and a good reference. The more my husband and I turn to the book, the better we feel about eating well. We in this country have incredible health problems brought about by poor eating habits. I feel this book helps me do my part to get my kid on the right track.
Rating:
Summary: What to Eat When You're Expecting
Review: Truly, this is impossible to follow. I tried to follow the stages but seriously unless you are in the nutritional field, forget it.
Rating:
Summary: thank god
Review: thank god this book is out there..... its great. it gives you all the info on eating heathy for your baby. which is the most important thing. right? BUY THIS BOOK
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