Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy Reviews

• Superior to "What to Expect..."

  
  By A9SI2I8F0LB2Z on 2005-08-15
  Back when babies were just daydreams, I recieved "What to Expect When You're Expecting" (3rd ed.) from a pregnant friend who had an extra copy. Not knowing any better, I was quite pleased. Once I became pregnant and actually needed a guide, however, that changed. I found the book to be poorly organized, overly conversational and condescending in tone (especially given my plans to be a stay-at-home mom), and generally useless for anything other than instilling fear and paranoia. Most exasperating, though, was the "organization." Symptoms that can arise during varying parts of pregnancy are scattered haphazardly amongst the monthly chapters. This means that the book must be read cover to cover and all material retained in memory if hunting through the index and flipping back and forth between sections doesn't sound appealing.
  
  Enter the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy." Hallelujah! Not wanting to suffer through another mediocre guide to pregnancy, I looked through every book I could get my hands on, and this was the only one that satisfied my criteria. It is written by trustworthy professionals in clear yet -professional- language, it provides information on "pregnancy, childbirth and your newborn" in chronological order, and best of all, it contains separate sections entitled, appropriately, "decision guides for pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood," "pregnancy reference guide," and "complications of pregnancy and childbirth," each with a table of contents at the beginning of the section. Instead of having to take a wild guess at which chapter (or, more likely, chapters) cramping might have landed in in "What to Expect" or searching the entire index, I could find it, along with all the other things I might be wondering about, in the reference guide. Blessed simplicity!
  
  The "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" was the only book I needed. Once I found it, "What to Expect When You're Expecting" went back on the shelf and stayed there.
  
  

• Best pregnancy book ever

  
  By A1W9EPPC8P2CJQ on 2005-05-06
  When we started trying, I bought a lot of pregnancy books. I am now towards the end of my first trimester and this book has been by far the best book I own on this topic.
  
  This book is extremely well organized, very informative and objective, and covers a wide range of topics from pregnancy to birth to breastfeeding.
  
  It is very easy to find what you are looking for. For each week, it explains what your body is going through, how your baby is growing and what emotional changes you could expect. In each month, there is a summary page that lists the problems you may have in that period and tells you when you should call your doctor. There are very nice drawings that show what your baby looks like and how big it is. (Some pictures are real size, for others the book tells what percentage of the real thing the picture is.)
  
  This book had answers to all my questions so far - and I should say, being a very curious first time mom, I had a lot of questions.
  
  Thanks and congratulations to Mayo Clinic.
  
  
  

• Saved my Baby

  
  By A2SJLTUJH1RFU7 on 2005-10-11
  This is the best book out there by far. I had 3 other pregnancy books in addition to this one. This book answered every question I had during pregancy. And I had lots of them. At the week 38, I wasn't feeling great but I wasn't dying either. Just not feeling too well. I was having some minor chills, and NO fever. No other symptom. I opened the book and it said to call my OBGYN right away. I did so and my OBGYN wasn't too sure that it was urgent. My OBGYN then changed her mind 5 min later called me back and told me to go to the hospital for a quick checkup. My babies heartrate was over 200/min. They managed to stabilize him and 15 min his heartrate dropped to 80/min. Needless to say, my OBGYN did and emergency C-section. Had I not had this book and been so persistent with my doctor, my baby might be not be alive. Well worth every penny it costs.
  
  

• The ONLY book you need

  
  By AVEVNXZGYY2CE on 2006-01-21
  I had bought several pregnancy books, including the Mother of All Pregnancy books and a couple of others, shortly after finding out I was pregnant. I kept getting disappointed by them - either the tone of the book would be off, or the information wouldn't be complete enough, or the book would be too cutesy for me to stomach. I got a recommendation from someone for this book, and after I read it I was sorry that I had wasted any money on other books. This is the only pregnancy book I need.
  
  It's hard to describe just how comprehensive the information is. If you, as a pregnant woman, need to know about something, it's discussed in this book. There's a large section on pregnancy discomforts and problems, but it's written in such a way that it's not depressing at all. The book is very straightforward about common pregnancy symptoms - if something hurts, they don't pussyfoot around, they say "this hurts" - but yet not negative about the experience of pregnancy either. The tone of the book is very straightforward, but yet upbeat at the same time. There are great week-by-week descriptions of what's happening with your baby, complete with illustrations, and in the week-by-week chapters there are also discussions of issues relevant to your pregnancy and suggestions about things you might want to think about or make some decisions about at that stage. There is VERY extensive information about prenatal testing, complete with great diagrams (this was the first book that showed me what really happens during CVS testing) and the information is presented in a neutral, nonbiased way that really aids decision-making when it comes to prenatal tests.
  
  One of the most helpful features of this book are the "decision-making guides" in the middle. These are short articles about things like breastfeeding, deciding to have another child, etc. that present the pros and the cons in a very balanced and neutral way, so that you as a parent can make decisions for yourself. The book recommends breastfeeding and provides detailed instructions on breastfeeding, but also provides plenty of information on formula feeding, complete with instructions on how to formula feed, which is something I have not seen in many other books. I plan to breastfeed but if you are not planning to, or find you cannot, this book has some great information for you about formula feeding.
  
  One other extremely helpful feature of the book are the charts for each trimester that help you decide when you should talk to your doctor about certain kinds of symptoms. I was surprised to find that some things I would think would be not that serious are actually things that warrant an immediate call to the doctor. I know I will be referring back to those tables over and over my entire pregnancy.
  
  Overall, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Loads of information to help you make the best decisions you can in your pregnancy. Don't bother buying any other book. This is the one you will go back to for information and reassurance over and over throughout your pregnancy.
  
  

• Very informative-not my favorite though

  
  By A369H4IKMB3OQB on 2005-03-31
  I really liked this book and I think it is a wonderful reference tool. I am glad I had the book on hand. However, my favorite book during pregnancy was "Pregnancy Week By Week". I think it went more into detail as each week passed. And being a first time mom, I wanted to know every detail that was going on developmentally with my baby.
  
  
• Better than "What to Expect When You're Expecting"
  By A1KKQKI2FK3MHD on 2005-05-04
  This was the first book I got from the library when I found out that I was pregnant. Unfortunately, after numerous renewals, the library wants it back (the nerve!). I'm currently 15 weeks pregnant with my first child and so far this book has been great. It's from a trusted source and the week by week information on what's happening to the baby and possibly to me is more informative and detailed than other books that I have (i.e. "What to Expect...," "Your Pregnancy Week by Week," etc.) While this book has a lot of information dealing with specific circumstances, I just skipped the sections that didn't pertain to me. This book didn't scare the hell out of me like some of the others did. I am purchasing this book for my own "library."
  
  
• Real great book!
  By A2F3BHO71Z0CDU on 2005-10-17
  I borrowed many pregnancy books at the library and found this book from far the best and I decided to buy it! It is written by doctors and explains everything simply but also scientifically. Do not buy "what to expect when you are expecting" which is too alarmist and not as complete as the Mayo Clinic Guide.
  
  
• Best of the bunch!
  By A2NQERSLPGPW5N on 2005-04-14
  I wanted a book written for intelligent adults that provided all the necessary information without the hype that this pregnancy will be an event around which the universe will revolve. (I've got plenty of time after my child is born to believe that.) After staring down the dizzying array of books on pregnancy, this was my pick. Not only do I love it, but my husband thought it was great and not too "jr. high sex ed class" oriented like many of the picture-heavy books. It's packed with information presented in a no-nonsense format that really lays out all your options for every aspect of pregnancy without taking sides. The organization is terrific with charts, graphs, and sidebars on all the things you want to know. The decision guides make you feel like you can handle anything that comes up. And it lets you easily find what you want whether it's weekly updates on how you and your baby are doing, guides for the big decisions about breastfeeding and circumcision, or specialized advice based on medical difficulties or multiple pregnancies. Great book from the Mayo Clinic!
  
  
• Mayo Clinic Healthy Pregnancy Guide Is A Great Resource
  By A50FMA076KCHD on 2004-07-29
  I recieved a copy of the Mayo Clinic's Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy half-way through my second pregnancy. I wish I'd had it the first time around! The book is divided into 4 helpful sections: Pregnancy, Childbirth and Your Newborn; Decision Guides for Pregnancy, Childbirth and Parenthood; Pregnancy Reference Guide; and Complications of Pregnancy and Childbirth. I liked how the first section described the baby's growth by month thereby clumping weeks together, which seemed to make more sense than a week by week development. At the end of each chapter/month there is a guide listing troublesome signs and symptoms and when to call your doctor. The Decision Guide section is unique to any of the pregnancy books I have, and I appreciated the thorough treatment of the subjects. Any question I had seemed well covered in the Pregnancy Reference Guide. I also appreciated the glossary at the end of the book. I'd definitely recommend adding this to your pregancy/childbirth library.
  
  
• Finally...A book for First timers and repeat moms!!!
  By A2DT6ZUMGQ4FYZ on 2005-01-11
  I am in my 3rd pregnancy, and bought the tried and true copy of 'What to expect when you're expecting.' Boy..was I dissapointed. It was so basic, missing so much info I wanted. AFter some research I heard about this book and went to take a look at my local store. All I can say is...WOW WOW WOW. It's not only a monthly guide to your body, emotions and baby..but a weekly. There is so much wonderful information..everything from snoring to in depth analysis of birth control for after delivery. They have a great section on dealing with depression before, during and after pregnancy. NOT JUST BABY BLUES. I was so impressed. I'd never read such great and easy to understand material. They have a huge reference guide for all the little and not so little aches and pains in pregnancy. Each month has a 'how soon to call your doctor' section for possible problems. It was nice that it didn't spend the whole time speaking only about working moms and prenancy (although it is covered) or insult my intelligence as a repeat mother. I highly recommend this to repeat and new moms alike. You will be so much more prepared than with the others I've read.
  
  
• This is the book to get!
  By A2HDZIJESPHF62 on 2005-11-30
  During my last pregnancy, I bought "What To Expect When You're Expecting," but lent it to a friend afterwards. So, now, for this pregnancy I bought this book. I like this one much better! It is well-organized, easy to reference, and has consistent categories month-by-month. I would definitely recommend this as the book to get!!!
  
  
• Never made me feel judged
  By A2BR5AYYCU00XC on 2005-04-26
  So many pregnancy books preach about breastfeeding and other certain types of care for your newborn. Mayo Clinic is a big proponent of breastfeeding, but this book also spent time talking about bottlefeeding (how to do it and benefits). The pregnancy timeline was also very accurate and helpful as I made my way through the 40 weeks of my first pregnancy. I actually work for Mayo Clinic, so I received this book for free from my prenatal provider, but I would have gladly paid the price of the book for its insightful knowledge and comforting guidance!
  
  
• Very useful pregnancy reference book
  By A274UZ66MTC4LM on 2004-08-31
  This is a very factual and accurate pregnancy reference book -- the kind of book you want to turn to if you have a specific medical question or concern. It is similar in style to The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby by John Sussman and Ann Douglas and Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth by Miriam Stoppard. The tone is slightly more medical than the other two books, but the book is still highly readable and will be welcomed as a gift by many expectant couples.
  
  
• Best pregnancy book I bought
  By A2LYZPVFKWBEHX on 2005-12-29
  When I was considering becoming pregnant I bought a few pregnancy books...including the Mother of All Pregnancy Books. I found them to be superficial and lacking scientific fact and good medical information. They were written for a woman who wanted to know the basics and was happy with being told that she was getting good information. The Mayo Clinic Guide is so much more. The decision-making guides are informative and provide a good foundation for making decisions about breastfeeding, birth, etc. I didn't ever feel like I was reading something biased, but something based on medical fact. It even includes information on what products you need and what ones you might be better not buying. Overall, this book is what you want if you want information. The other books may be better if you want to feel good.
  
  
• Apples and Oranges
  By A2H8YBWBZVFD5H on 2006-01-22
  Like an earlier reviewer, I also liked The Mayo Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, but I think she totally missed the point of The Mother of All Pregnancy Books by trying to compare the two books. The Mayo Guide is one of the very best doctor-written guides to pregnancy -- a book that, by definition, will focus on more on sticking to the medical facts about pregnancy. But pregnancy is so much more than that: an experience that affects every aspect of your life: your relationships with friends, family, people at work, how you feel about your body, yourself, and becoming a mother. This is the material that The Mother of All Pregnancy Books covers so well (although, to be fair, the author of that book does a great job of covering the medical topics too). So while some readers will want a more medical guide to pregnancy (and judging by the earlier reviewer's other pregnancy book reviews, that's exactly the kind of pregnancy book she prefers), others may want to look at a book that provides a more mother-centered approach -- lots of mother wisdom and mother's stories. And many readers may wish to purchase both. Luckily, there are lots of pregnancy book options today.
  
  
• Love this book!
  By A3OCCQEOV0BM03 on 2006-03-31
  This is my #1 pregnancy book in my somewhat large collection. I am a big fan of Mayo Clinic books in general. This is my first pregnancy and I'm full of questions and concerns- all of which have been fully answered by this book. The Mayo book is detailed and comprehensive. It even has a section for pre-conception and preparing to become pregnant that I really appreciated. The drawings and information in the week-by-week section is fantastic. The monthly charts of pregnancy symptoms paired with when/if to call your doctor and how soon are a huge help. All information you want about medication, illnesses, symptoms, concerns, fears, maternity clothes, common pregnancy questions, and body changes (both mother and baby) is in here. I also like the sections that detail how my husband ("partner" in the book) might be feeling and specific concerns he may have- it reminded me that we are all in this together and has kept our communication open & happy. This book truly & absolutely covers everything- all physical, mental, emotional and financial aspects of pregnancy. It's also easy to find information. In some of my other books, before I got this one, I felt like I needed to go online to get more info b/c my questions were only partially answered. Now, I just turn to this book. Actually, it's the only book I've kept handy in the last month or so. If you only want to buy one book, get this one. For labor, it is fairly comprehensive but I've supplemented with Dr. Sears "Birth Book". The Mayo Clinic book also covers initial infant care (from breast/bottle feeding to diaper changes and reminders/methods to care of yourself, too) but I still wanted an additional book for that. Again, I have another Dr. Sears book, the "Baby Book"- I can't comment much on it since the baby is still on the way, but my sister swears by it. I definitely wouldn't replace my Mayo Clinic with the Dr. Sears books but I think they make a nice complement. If I only got to keep one, it would be Mayo Clinic.
  
  
• Great Medical Information, not enough week-by-week information
  By AN5JZKEQ3BVQU on 2007-08-15
  This is a great book - very well organized - great for first time moms. I read it in conjunction with "your pregnancy week by week" and felt satisified in understanding what was happening with me and the baby as the pregnancy progressed. When I experienced a strange pain during my 27th week, THIS was the book I reached for to try to determine what I was experiencing. The medical and technical information is superior to any other ( i.e. when to call the doctor, etc) and is not oversimplified or dumbed-down. My only complaint is that I felt the information on the weekly development/changes were lacking, when compared to other books. I would recommend this to other moms for sure.
  
  
• The best pregnancy book I've read
  By on 2004-05-07
  I already had the "What to expect when you are expecting" book when my sister gave me "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy". I was so impressed with the details on a week by week basis. The pictures of the different development stages of the fetus during pregnancy are by far better than the ones in the "What to expect ..." book. They are much more realistic. The book also has a wonderful section called the decision guide about all the different tests and possiblilities that helps me make my decisions in a non biased manner. Each month it also provides a list of issues that you may experience including if and when you should notify your doctor. Now I don't have to wonder if I am being a worry-wart over a trival issue or not. This will be the reference book I will use for the rest of my pregnancy! I also plan on giving this book to all my pregnant friends!!
  
  
• Good reference to have.
  By A314UA45XXMCHL on 2005-09-08
  This book is chalk full of information. It is a little bit of a dry read, but its managable. The beginning of the book goes by the months and weeks of your pregnancy. It includes what is happening to your baby and the changes in your body. It also includes information on labor and delivery, bringing baby home, questions to ask doctors for various reason, breastfeeding and lots more. I enjoy having it and would recommend it to anyone who loves to have information at their fingertips.
  
  
• Very Helpful Book!
  By A2289SOSB8WM9D on 2006-04-14
  I decided to buy this book based on the amazon reviews,
  and I was very happy!
  I WAS a nervous first time mom, and this book really helped ease my worries. This book doesn't try to sugar coat problems in pregnancy, but those types of topics don't overshadow the whole book either! It's very honest, informative, and positive.
  I also felt very confident reading this book, knowing that it is written by TWO doctors.
  
  I love how this book goes in depth about the baby's development for each week, (and illustrations of size). It also goes over what to expect each month from your changing body, what is normal, and what you should talk to your doctor about.
  
  It covers just about everything!
  Explaining prenatal testing, regular birth routines, C-Section, circumcision pros and cons, a glossary where you can look up your specific problem (such as back ache, side aches, breast pain, etc., how to find relief, and more!
  
  I really feel if you have this book you don't need any other pregnancy book. Except probably a book that goes more in depth for nutrition, because this book just goes over the basics.
  
  Enjoy!
  
  
• When you want facts and not opinions, buy this book
  By A1D7T6JPEQZMKC on 2006-05-05
  I am on my first pregnancy and, having read a myriad of pregnancy books either at friends' houses or that were passed on to me, this is the only book I have found actually worth buying and is the only one I consult. Everything you will need to know about your pregnancy is in here: baby's development week by week, mother's development week by week, available tests, what they do, what the results can mean, what complications can arise , what doctors will do about them, options and decisions for labor, options and descriptions for pain killers, and much much more. No "feel good" jibberish here. Just the medical truth about what is really going on inside. It is completely non-judgmental, unbiased information which will hopefully give you the tools you need to form your own opinon. I cannot reccommend it enough.
  
  
  
  
  
• Soundly Presented, Scientifically Based Medical Manual
  By A3TP978RRJ6Y93 on 2006-05-15
  This book is non-judgemental, thorough, well-organized, scientifically based, balanced, and complete.
  
  Of all the pregnancy books I have purchased, this one is my "bible". The rest are just reference.
  
  The decision guides are outstanding and I highly recommend this to anyone wanting/needing "just the facts".
  
  
• Registered Nurse recommends Mayo Clinic Guide
  By A3AFQ2F705P1DT on 2006-03-18
  Being a nurse, I really wanted some solid scientific based information about my first pregnancy. Many other pregnancy books seemed to gloss over things a bit too much, or get too preachy about other things. I wanted something that would give me all the facts and information to allow me and my husband to make intelligent decisions about what was right for us. This is exactly what I found with the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy. I liked how they covered all the pertinent topics such as diagnostic tests, different types of births, doctors, midwives, etc. It is also great that you get to know week by week what is happening with your pregnancy, and most importantly, a list for each month of your pregnancy of signs and symptoms to notify your doctor about either immediately or those that can wait until your next visit. I am starting my last trimester of pregnancy and I have been thoroughly pleased with this book. I recommend this book to all my friends and anyone else who wants an intelligent book about pregnancy.
  
  
• Great Resource!
  By AH9AV9JG88U17 on 2006-03-30
  My husband and I have been very glad we chose this book. It's a great resource, taking you through baby's development week by week as well as each month discussing the body changes and emotions you are experiencing. At the end of each month's "chapter" there is also a convenient chart with a list of symptoms and whether or not they are worth an immediate, next day or next visit chat with your OB. The index makes anything easy to find and symptoms are included in an alphabetical "glossary" format which makes what you are looking for really easy to find. There are also several articles about various issues that come up. Another nice feature is that there are no opinions in the book. Issues like genetic testing and breastfeeding are dealt with by presenting factual information, not based on opinions. This book is definitely worth it, especially if you are first time parents-to-be like we are!
  
  
• Delivers the facts gently, well organized
  By AI4O5NI0IVLNL on 2007-06-22
  I was looking for a book on pregnancy that would satisfy my scientific mind, and this one was a good choice (there's not a lot out there between this and an obstetrics textbook!). I did not feel it was too technical, but delivered the facts you want to know about what's hapening when, and what's behind all those pregnancy symptoms and problems. It does not tell a story or speak to you like a "girlfriend." Everything is said as a matter of fact, with no hype, judgement, or biases. Mayo Clinic is a name to trust.
  
  This book will help keep you calm. Reading future sections in advance helped me not worry about things like the sharp stabbing pain on my right side that came on suddenly one day (round ligament stretching) or the fact that I keep bumping my belly into countertops and doorways (baby is well protected), and when to call my doctor. This is the only pregnancy book I have used and I think my happy, healthy, relatively problem-free pregnancy can be directed attributed to the mental state I have because of it!
  
  
• GREAT BOOK - A MUST HAVE!!!
  By AOQOAEUO65D03 on 2006-02-03
  I have really enjoyed this book. They have done a wonderful job of letting you know how the baby is developing from week to week. Also, I have really enjoyed how they put together a section for complications and any symptoms you might be feeling. It is very eazy to find topics you are looking for and it is very well organized over all. A++++++
  
  
• I'm saving mine for child #2
  By A3QMKZ4ZBEI92 on 2006-10-07
  We just had our first baby two months ago and this is the only book I bought to prepare us for the pregnancy and birth. I knew what to expect during each month and pretty much all the questions that come up in between were answered. There is the monthly baby development and mom's physical and emotional changes as the pregnancy progresses. It gives you questions to think about when considering a which physician is best for you and which will be best for your baby when he/she is born. I read over and over again (pregnant brain) the sections on birthing plans, how labor progresses, the drugs offered, pros/cons of circumcision, and how to care for the baby when you bring it home. Eventually I even got the hang of breastfeeding while reading this book. I will be saving my copy for when we are pregnant again in a few years.
  Also-This book is absolutely great for pregnancy and right after the birth, but your going to need something for questions you have in the first year of itty bitty's life.
  
  
• Waste of money if you have internet access
  By A2689CJ03TFVNM on 2008-08-19
  The info in this book was always very high-level. If you are like my husband and I, you may find youself visiting websites weekly to read about fetal development. If so, don't bother to buy this book. It NEVER had any more info than I got online!! Even on specific issues such as gestational diabetes screening, the info was never more than the few paragraphs you find on every pregnancy website. So I found it to be a total waste of money & I rarely opened it.
  
  Furthermore, DO NOT TAKE ADVICE ON LABOR & BIRTH from this book. It states, "There is nothing you can do to prevent a C-section." THIS IS TOTALLY FALSE! First, right off-the-bat, the rate of c-section varies wildly among practicioners. Picking a health care provider with a lower c/s rate will lower your risk. Secondly, getting an epidural doubles your risk of c/s - so there is PLENTY you can do to lower your risk. (Sure, you can't 100% prevent it, but you CAN substantially lower your risk.) I highly recommend "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" to find out the REAL FACTS on OB procedures. You do not want to just blindly trust your practicioner.
  
  
• An Excellent Book.
  By AFZUFNMWHMOWI on 2004-06-12
  The book was great. It contains all the important facts about pregnancy, not shrouded by opinion. It just contains facts that you can use to your advantage to achieve a healthy and sucessful pregnancy. The editing is supreme. I learned about the book through the news, when I saw the debbonaire editor promoting it. His excessive charisma drove me to get it, and I havn't regretted it for a second. The book was excellent.
  
  
• the best pregnancy book on the market
  By A21F8EKNRY2KY5 on 2004-12-01
  This book answered any question I ever had while pregnant. I bought other books and was disappointed. This is the only book you need.
  
  

• The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips and Advice for Dads-to-Be, Second Edition
• Eating for Pregnancy: An Essential Guide to Nutrition with Recipes for the Whole Family
• What to Expect When You're Expecting: 4th Edition
• The Pregnancy Bible: Your Complete Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood
• The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth, and Everything In Between (U.S. Edition)