Top books to read during pregnancy
There's a multitude of pregnancy books on the market, and knowing where to start when browsing the bookstore aisles can be daunting.
With over 20 pregnancies between us, the OHbaby! team is pretty well versed in what makes a good all-round book on pregnancy and labour.
Here are our picks...
Up The Duff, Kaz Cooke RRP $52.00 / Penguin I was recommended this book with my first pregnancy by my then boss who'd just become a Dad. It tells you everything you need to know in a thoroughly entertaining and sometimes laugh-out-loud way. If there's any chance of convincing your partner to read along with you - this is the book you need. - Rochelle. Baby Bliss, Jo Ryan I found this book really useful even after the birth of my third child. I love how Jo explains what your baby should be doing between weeks 1-12, offering support and alternatives if you don't want to let your baby cry himself to sleep. Relaxed and comforting - it's bliss! - Angela. What To Expect When You're Expecting, Heidi Murkoff RRP $46.00 / Harper Collins Now into it's fourth edition, this is considered the pregnancy bible by many in Australia and New Zealand. The latest edition covers everything you'd expect, plus latest lifestyle trends like belly piercing, tattoos and Botox. Your Pregnancy Bible, Dr Ann Deans RRP $52.00 / Penguin Written by a team of experts under the direction of a practicing obstetrician. Provides practical advice from all aspects of pregnancy and early parenthood. Special gatefold sections cover the milestones of each trimester to help you keep track of important check-ups at a glance. The New Zealand Pregnancy Book, Sue Pullon & Cheryl Benn RRP $55.00 First published in 1991, this book has been used by thousands of New Zealand mums and dads. Each step of pregnancy, birth and baby's first months are set out with detailed diagrams and colour photographs. Gas and Air, Edited by Jill Dawson and Margo Daly RRP $28.99 / Bloomsbury I couldn't resist including this book which my husband gave me as a present when I was pregnant with our first child. It's a wonderful collection of short stories from some of the world's foremost writers, including Emily Perkins, Roddy Doyle and Nick Hornby. But for me the story I return to year in and year out and never fail to get weepy over is Peter Carey's exquisitely moving account of his son's birth. - Rochelle 
