Dr. Miriam Stoppard's New Pregnancy and Birth Book

A completely updated and expanded edition of Dr. Miriam Stoppard's bestselling pregnancy handbook

Contemporary, practical, and thoroughly enjoyable to read, Dr. Miriam Stoppard's New Pregnancy and Birth Book is the ideal step-by-step guide to every aspect of pregnancy--from prenatal care and childbirth through the first few weeks of life.

- Features information and guidance for both partners through each stage, including charts and checklists to assist in planning for the new arrival
- Contains an extended month-by-month pregnancy calendar highlighting the physical and emotional changes that occur during pregnancy and the development inside the body
- Addresses special health concerns and common complaints
- Highlights diet, exercise, and relaxation techniques that benefit both mother and baby
- Illustrated with detailed photographs, drawings, and diagrams throughout

There are precious few pregnancy books a mother-to-be can tuck in her purse to read on the go, but Dr. Miriam Stoppard's New Pregnancy and Birth Book is one. Despite its compact size, this full-color volume packs an informational wallop--a boon for any mother who doesn't have the time to spend endlessly researching her condition. Where most other books describe in paragraph after paragraph, Stoppard's book shows, with detailed line drawings, full-color photographs, and lucid charts and diagrams. OK, so maybe it's bit disconcerting to see an image of an actual vaginal birth and the site where the epidural shunt tucks in. On the other hand, the line drawings showing the size of your child's hand as it develops will help you visualize that tiny life better than the commonplace description that your child is now the size of a pickle or a strawberry. Stoppard hits on all the primary topics of concern--fetal development, maternal regimen changes, effect upon married life, latest birthing trends--without threatening information overload or overtly favoring any particular birthing philosophy. Of course, Stoppard is a doctor, which accounts for her careful explanation of medical terminology and shorthand as well hospital charts and diagrams. But even those women who don't plan to give birth in a hospital should find this book, especially its illustrations and pictures, immensely helpful. --Sumi Hahn