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Rating: 
Summary: Actual data to back up recommendations
Review: I looked for a long time to find a book that assumed a woman without an MD degree could still understand much of what happens to a pregnant woman; this one cites studies, describes biological processes, and generally treats the reader as an adult. I admit I had litmus tests: Feinbloom says there's no reason to circumcise and admits that there are no data to prove that consuming a small amount of alcohol endangers a fetus.
This and Vicky Iovine's Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy are the only books I'd give to a newly pregnant friend, and the only ones I'm wholly glad I bought for myself.
Rating:
Summary: Best Pregnancy Bok I Read
Review: I've done a small survey of pregnancy books recently, and this is the winner. As another reviewer said, "If you only buy one, make it this one." I expect to have no problem getting my husband to read this book. It is not cutesy, it is not preachy, it does not read like a conversation with a close friend. It reads like a conversation with the doctor you wish you had -- one who would spend hours explaining things to you. The author is sympathetic to the trials of pregnancy of childbirth and parenthood without treating any of those conditions as an illness. The book has terrific information on what to expect as you're pregnant, what to expect in the doctor's office (like a list of all the standard tests, how the tests work, and what they're looking for) and the whys of a lot of things. The book does cover some unusual complications, but gives clear statistics on how common they are. The author is big on data, and will say clearly if he thinks something is a good idea but that there's no data to back it up. Bottom line: the author assumes that with good information, you can make good decisions. I plan to avoid "What to Expect When You're Expecting" -- I think I have the info I need from this book, without the super-stringent diet and calico print cutesy-ness.
Rating:
Summary: Best Pregnancy Bok I Read
Review: I've done a small survey of pregnancy books recently, and this is the winner. As another reviewer said, "If you only buy one, make it this one." I expect to have no problem getting my husband to read this book. It is not cutesy, it is not preachy, it does not read like a conversation with a close friend. It reads like a conversation with the doctor you wish you had -- one who would spend hours explaining things to you. The author is sympathetic to the trials of pregnancy of childbirth and parenthood without treating any of those conditions as an illness. The book has terrific information on what to expect as you're pregnant, what to expect in the doctor's office (like a list of all the standard tests, how the tests work, and what they're looking for) and the whys of a lot of things. The book does cover some unusual complications, but gives clear statistics on how common they are. The author is big on data, and will say clearly if he thinks something is a good idea but that there's no data to back it up. Bottom line: the author assumes that with good information, you can make good decisions. I plan to avoid "What to Expect When You're Expecting" -- I think I have the info I need from this book, without the super-stringent diet and calico print cutesy-ness.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for worrying parents-to-be!
Review: My husband and I worry a lot, especially now that we're trying for our first baby. This book has been a great resource from a well-respected doctor. Not only does it provide in-depth information about a lot of pregancy and baby concerns, but it also analyzes the information to help readers make important decisions. Definitely a must have for those sleepless nights!
Rating: 
Summary: Too Clinical
Review: This book was much too clinical for my taste. I'm a pregnant woman, not just a statistic or a patient. I want to know more than just the basic information, and I don't need to know the technical/medical/Latin phrases for everything (I found this really distracting while reading the book); just tell me in plain language what is going on. The book omitted a lot of information about the various things one can expect to happen during each trimester, and I could have done without the extensive lecture on genetics. The data that was presented seemed to be well-researched, but I just don't think it was presented in the most effective manner.
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