Rating: 
Summary: Okay book, but makes you worry too much
Review: I thought the book was informative at times, but the majority of topics were about things that would make you infertile, could go wrong in pregnancy, etc., that it ended up stressing me out. There are much better books out there. I would pass on this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Resource
Review: I thought this was an excellent resource. It explains how changing your lifestyle and habits prior to pregnancy can increase the chances of a sucessful pregnancy. Also a great reference tool during pregnancy, i.e, explains different tests, procedures and even drug interactions.
Rating: 
Summary: Too outdated
Review: I was pretty disappointed in this book. It wasn't terrible by anymeans, but it just seemed so dated. I wouldn't recommend it for this reason.
Rating:
Summary: If you are healthy, this might not be for you!
Review: If you are a healthy woman, with no family history of genetic defects, and work in a non-toxic environment, this book is not for you. Almost the entire book is dedicated to risks to your unborn child rgarding exposure to certain toxins, illnesses, and genetic disorders. I only found four sections (prescriptions and toxins to stay away from, I had mild dysplasia and underwent crysosurgery - but there was only one paragraph about that - and the prepregnancy checklist at the end) that were helpful in this book, and these were very outdated (the book was published in 1989 so the research was done prior to that). It actually warns pregnant woman not to frech kiss those who might be infected with AIDS for fear of contracting it themselves. Throughout the entire book I had to keep telling myself that I am healthy 23 year woman with no family history of genetic disorders and I work in an office. This book kinda scared me!
Rating: 
Summary: Save your money...
Review: It's too bad "zero stars" is not an option. ... This is probably one of the most useless books I have ever read. First, the information is outdated (published in 1989). Second, unless you have absolutely no common sense and can't figure out for yourself that smoking, drinking and drugs are bad for you (let alone your unborn child) and that exercise and eating well are good - well, you won't get much out of this book. Even the information pertaining to specific conditions and diseases and how they affect pregnancy (not so much conception) is nothing you cannot get from a conversation with your doctor. And again - common sense would dictate that if you have diabetes, epilepsy or something else serious, you would discuss that with a medical professional without being told to.
I'm sure this book was useful in 1989, when it was the first of its kind. But now, there are many books and other resources (like more web sites that you can count) that provide the same information, updated with today's research and technology. Save your money, folks...
Rating: 
Summary: Highly comprehensive guide to preconception health
Review: The moment you start trying to conceive, you're hit with a million questions. Is it safe to take a particular medication (drug or over-the-counter) when you're trying to conceive? Should you give up alcohol now or when the pregnancy test comes back positive? Will exercising too much reduce your chances of conceiving? Where does you sexual history fit in? This book answers all these questions and more. I give it five stars.
Rating:
Summary: Great information
Review: There is not a whole lot of information out there that addresses pre-pregnancy. This book offers detailed information about medications, medical history, fertility, etc in an easy-to-read format. I was most prepared for my pre-conception OB/GYN appointment, knowing the specific questions to ask and even brought the book with me, as it lists the recommended medical tests to have done. After reading the book, I feel much more informed and am ready for the next step.
Rating:
Summary: More reassuring than alarming
Review: This book gives a very thorough treatment of the factors that may influence your child during pregnancy and even pre-pregnancy, for better or for worse. I found the long lists of factors reassuring rather than alarming, because much of it is common sense (avoiding toxins, diseases, drug interactions, and increasing your own health)and most of the suggestions about behavior modification are quite feasible for most people, if not easy. Your child will thank you, though. Having seen some of the struggles that children of mothers who took drugs during pregnancy have to face 5, 10, and 20 years later, I know that getting this information out is very important. You'll probably want another book to help you implement some of the lifestyle changes, like losing weight, giving up tobacco and alcohol, and starting a fitness program, but this does give a healthy dose of motivation. It's also a great book to read well before your pregnancy starts; many of these changes will take time. keep this in mind if giving this book as a gift!
Rating:
Summary: Overall, a very good and informative book about prepregnancy
Review: This was the first book I bought about prepregnancy. Sussman was highly recommended and I bought this book first. I read each and every page. I am not yet pregnant, this is my first child, and I am not 30 yet -- but I appreciated the parts on high-risk pregnancies. I like to know what may happen just to prepare myself. My husband and I both feel that we are prepared for anything from a "perfect textbook" pregnancy and delivery to complete bedrest and quitting work -- and this book helped us talk about ideas and situations presented in the book. I especially enjoyed the sections on over the counter and prescription medications, workplace toxins, and why some (everyday) things are not good for your baby. I agree that some of the content is outdated -- however there are still many good parts! My favorite part overall is the section with the check lists. I am very organized and keep detailed lists of things to do/ask about/learn more about/read, etc. I would suggest this book to anyone who is planning to become pregnant. I DON'T suggest ANY ONE BOOK exclusively. I believe that you will need several books to get the best picture of what is happening to and in your body. I suggest "What to Expect...", "Unofficial Guide..." and (my personal favorite right now) "Pregnancy Journal...".
Rating:
Summary: Overall, a very good and informative book about prepregnancy
Review: This was the first book I bought about prepregnancy. Sussman was highly recommended and I bought this book first. I read each and every page. I am not yet pregnant, this is my first child, and I am not 30 yet -- but I appreciated the parts on high-risk pregnancies. I like to know what may happen just to prepare myself. My husband and I both feel that we are prepared for anything from a "perfect textbook" pregnancy and delivery to complete bedrest and quitting work -- and this book helped us talk about ideas and situations presented in the book. I especially enjoyed the sections on over the counter and prescription medications, workplace toxins, and why some (everyday) things are not good for your baby. I agree that some of the content is outdated -- however there are still many good parts! My favorite part overall is the section with the check lists. I am very organized and keep detailed lists of things to do/ask about/learn more about/read, etc. I would suggest this book to anyone who is planning to become pregnant. I DON'T suggest ANY ONE BOOK exclusively. I believe that you will need several books to get the best picture of what is happening to and in your body. I suggest "What to Expect...", "Unofficial Guide..." and (my personal favorite right now) "Pregnancy Journal...".
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