Rating: 
Summary: Good information in a fun to read format
Review: I enjoyed having this book around when I was pregnant. I liked knowing what was going on in my body and well as in my baby. They answered all concerns you may have. I didn't however like the section on labor, I felt they were very narrow in what they considered an "acceptable" birth. I had an epidural with my son and do not feel like a failure, although they would lead you to believe you are. Other than that, I thought the book was great. And I really love the books they wrote for after the baby is born!
Rating:
Summary: MUCH Better Than "What to Expect" & Other "Standards"
Review: This pregnancy book is *much* better than the "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book that is so often recommended to every pregnant woman out there. It is also much better than the other 'standard' pregnancy books you'll find. This book is a complete and joyful guide to what happens during pregnancy - mentally, emotionally, and physically - to mom and baby. It has a great index; so if a specific symptom doesn't crop up in the exact month they cover it, you can easily look it up in the back and read about it. I found this guide very informative and supportive of everything I'm going through with my second pregnancy. [I wish I'd had this book for my first pregnancy, instead of that wretched "what to expect" book]. My one criticism of this book: the Sears' gloss over the pain that most women experience during labor. I didn't find the segment on labor very helpful or realistic. As a Childbirth Educator myself, I don't feel that anyone is doing pregnant women a favor by convicing them that labor doesn't hurt - that it is just 'pressure' or 'discomfort'. The reality is that for most women, labor IS painful - often extremely so. Women who seek an unmedicated birth need to prepare themselves to cope with and overcome this pain. And regardless of whether a woman expects to use medication or not, nobody is doing her any favors by misleading her about labor pain - she's not going to thank them when it hits her full on. For preparing for labor and delivery, I *highly* recommend "Birthing From Within" by Pam England. It is much more realistic in preparing you for the "Real Thing" - and it is geared to help every woman work through her own issues and concerns about birthing. It is by far the most excellent book out there on labor and delivery. Other than that small complaint - I think this is a *wonderful* guide to pregnancy - very supportive and comforting while being very honest.
Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I have an older version of this book, but I loved it. The other popular pregnancy book I thought was very condescending and needlessly scary sometimes. This one has a sense of humor and they are parents of a large family. I felt that I could trust their advice. They had been through this many times and eased my concerns. Great book! I refer to it often and plan to use it for all of my pregnancies.
Rating:
Summary: What a Great Book!
Review: I have read several books, including "what to expect...", and this one is the best! It is a very detailed, informative, and happy reading. I would strongly recommend this book, even if you have others. You won't be disappointed!
Rating:
Summary: Bringing relief to a pregnant woman
Review: Although this hasn't been as popular as the other books in the Sears series I really think it is an incredible book. This is my first pregnancy and while I though I was totally prepared for it, I found out I wasn't. There were things happening to my body and my emotions that no one really explained to me. It is very reassuring to read a book and see possible things you will be going through and think "Oh, this is normal, I'm ok." They are very open to different options for pregnancy and birth. Plus it is very enjoyable to read. I am happy that I got this book, it has helped me through difficult times with my pregnancy whether it be through sick times or highly emotional ones. Right now I am off to buy "The Birth Book" by the Sears and I'm sure I will get "The Baby Book" soon enough too. I encourage those looking for a good pregnancy guide to give this one a chance.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful, Affirming Book!
Review: This book is the ONLY one I needed, although I had others including the terrible "What to Expect" book. This book is a treat to read. Dr. Sears takes a positive approach so there's none of that alarmist tone that tends to find its way into so many books and conversations around the pregnant woman. By the time it was "D-Day" for me, I truly believed that my delivery would go well and that I was ready for it. As a first time mom, I needed the affirmations found throughout this book that my body would do what it was supposed to do, and that I would be strong enough to go with whatever the day brought. The emphasis is on non-intervention and "natural" childbirth, but all of the possible interventions are discussed as well. Dr. Sears also writes about how interventions happen to the unsuspecting mom, and how to avoid them. I found it very empowering to have some information to bring to my doctor when discussing issues such as epidurals and episiotomy. I felt my positions regarding these personal choices were more respected because I had the information to back up my feelings. The monthly format of the book is great. It's one of the few books I've found which treats the ninth month as the 8 week "month" it really can be. I highly recommend this book to others and think it would make a great gift, too, since it's not preachy.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Pregnancy Book
Review: I have read 8 pregnancy books so far (doing research)... including WHat to expect (one of the worst). THis is by far the best pregnancy book I've read so far. Complete information on everything you need to know about pregnancy. This is the MUST BOOK for all pregnant mothers. I would give this book as a gift to all my friends.
Rating:
Summary: This is the essential pregnancy book
Review: This is a wonderful book. I have read 3 pregnancy books, one of them the famous What to Expect, I like this one much better, it has a lot more information. I always come back to this book because it is so complete, realistic, precise, and easy to read. It has everything you need to have a good pregnancy. It is the book to get if you only want one book. I wish that William and Martha Sears were my doctors and I wish even more that Martha could be my labor assistant.
Rating:
Summary: INFORMATIVE
Review: This book blows What to Expect When You're Expecting away! It is very informative and includes a 3 page journal for each month so you can keep track of how you feel, etc. I highly recommend this book. Do not waste your money on What to Expect.... The Pregnancy Book by the Dr. Sears is also wonderful.
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Summary: You will WANT to buy this one
Review: I bought this book just before my first appointment with an OB/GYN and didn't stop using it until after my baby was more than a month old. I read it cover to cover in a week and then each month I reviewed the month. This book, unlike "What to Expect When You're Expecting," does everything it can to lay your fears to rest. Sears and Sears describe what can go wrong, but they also make sure to emphasize that most women are likely to have normal pregnancies. I was able to find descriptions and reasons for all of the odd sensations I experienced with my first pregnancy, and I was able to share with a friend exerpts that described different things she was experiencing. After the third time I read something to her from "The Pregnancy Book" that exactly fit her symptoms, she decided that she needed her own copy and was completely won over from "What to Expect." I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
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