Pregnancy is a life-changing adventure filled with excitement, questions, and emotional ups and downs. Whether it’s your first baby or your third, having the right book by your side can make all the difference. From practical guides to emotional support, books for pregnant women offer insights, reassurance, and a sense of connection throughout every trimester. In this article, discover the best books for pregnant ladies carefully selected to inform, inspire, and comfort you as you prepare to welcome new life into the world.
Top 10 Books for Pregnant Women in 2025
Pregnancy is an emotional, physical, and psychological journey and the right book can feel like a trusted friend through it all. Whether you’re looking for science-backed advice, emotional support, or partner-inclusive guidance, the books on this list were carefully selected to reflect the needs of modern mothers-to-be in 2025. From empowering reads to judgment-free advice, here’s your ultimate guide to the best pregnancy books to read this year.
1. Nurture by Erica Chidi
Best holistic guide for modern parents
“Nurture” stands out as a deeply compassionate and comprehensive guide for pregnant people who want an integrative and mindful approach to pregnancy and birth. Erica Chidi, a doula and co-founder of LOOM, offers insights into fetal development, birth choices (home, hospital, or birth center), mental wellness, and even preparing for postpartum.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Inclusive and non-judgmental tone
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Covers mental, emotional, and physical health
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Includes partner perspectives and tips
Perfect for: Expecting mothers seeking an emotionally aware and modern pregnancy experience.
2. Expecting Better by Emily Oster
Best data-driven pregnancy book
Emily Oster, a Harvard-trained economist, brings clarity to pregnancy myths and outdated advice in “Expecting Better.” She analyzes scientific data and challenges conventional wisdom—from drinking caffeine to sleeping positions—offering evidence-based answers so women can make informed decisions.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Replaces fear-based rules with facts
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Highly empowering for logical, detail-oriented readers
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Debunks common myths with real studies
Perfect for: Moms-to-be who love numbers, research, and making well-informed choices.
3. Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy by Leslie Schrock
Best all-in-one guide for the modern mom
“Bumpin’” is a smart, comprehensive, and tech-savvy take on pregnancy, from conception to postpartum. Leslie Schrock blends clinical expertise with real-life tips, offering guidance on mental health, diet, prenatal care, birth planning, and partner involvement.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Backed by research and expert interviews
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Includes postpartum and baby care tips
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Friendly tone and realistic approach
Perfect for: First-time moms who want a mix of medical insight and personal guidance.
4. Why Did No One Tell Me This? by Natalia Hailes & Ash Spivak
Best for honest, inclusive, and empowering advice
Written by two experienced doulas, this book is colorful, honest, and unapologetically real. It dives deep into body changes, fears, empowerment, and partner roles with vibrant illustrations and inclusive language. It’s a refreshing take on pregnancy that doesn’t sugarcoat the journey.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Addresses emotional, cultural, and identity-related aspects
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Bite-sized, illustrated content
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Gender-inclusive and supportive of diverse parenting styles
Perfect for: Parents-to-be who want raw, inclusive, and intersectional wisdom with a touch of humor.
5. The Couples’ Pregnancy Guide by D’Anthony Ward & Rachel Ward
Best for couples who want to go through it as a team
Pregnancy isn’t just about the person who’s carrying the baby. This guide helps couples navigate the process together, emphasizing teamwork, communication, and shared responsibility. It includes checklists, planning tips, and discussions to build a stronger partnership.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Makes pregnancy a shared experience
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Encourages communication and planning
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Includes activities to prepare as a team
Perfect for: Couples who want to build a strong foundation before baby arrives.
6. The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth by Genevieve Howland
Best natural birth companion
Genevieve Howland, known from MamaNatural.com, delivers a week-by-week guide focusing on natural living, holistic nutrition, and preparation for natural childbirth. It also includes fun charts and real birth stories from other moms.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Combines research and natural wisdom
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Encourages minimal intervention where possible
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Uplifting tone with weekly progress
Perfect for: Women exploring natural, home, or birth center deliveries with minimal medical intervention.
7. The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou
Best for postpartum recovery
Though technically a post-birth book, this is essential reading during pregnancy to prepare for the often overlooked “fourth trimester.” It’s rooted in traditional Chinese postpartum practices and offers warming recipes, emotional guidance, and self-care rituals.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Holistic, nourishing approach
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Focuses on rest, healing, and bonding
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Beautiful design and recipes included
Perfect for: Moms who want to prioritize postpartum wellness and mental recovery.
8. Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by Angela Garbes
Best for cultural and feminist perspectives
This book blends personal memoir, cultural criticism, and science to analyze what it truly means to be pregnant in today’s world. Garbes discusses topics like the placenta, miscarriage, and maternal healthcare with honesty and depth.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Feminist and science-driven lens
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Unpacks pregnancy myths and social stigmas
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Highly readable and eye-opening
Perfect for: Expecting mothers interested in challenging mainstream pregnancy narratives.
9. Cribsheet by Emily Oster
Best for beyond-birth decisions and parenting prep
From the author of “Expecting Better,” “Cribsheet” picks up where the first book leaves off. It tackles parenting decisions backed by data—like sleep training, breastfeeding, and screen time—offering reassurance for the analytical parent.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Answers tough parenting questions with facts
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Offers clarity in a sea of opinions
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Great follow-up to pregnancy guides
Perfect for: Expecting moms (and dads) who want to feel prepared beyond birth.
10. From Mom, With Love by With My Love™
Best customizable keepsake book
A unique entry on this list, From Mom, With Love is a personalized, fill-in-the-blank memory book and a book for mom that allows pregnant women to write their story, thoughts, and wishes for their future child. It becomes a priceless gift from mother to child, preserving a deep emotional connection.
Why it’s worth reading:
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Thoughtful and intimate
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Great for journaling and reflection during pregnancy
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A legacy keepsake for your child
Perfect for: Moms who want to pass on love, wisdom, and memories in a personal way.
Final Thoughts: Finding the right book for your pregnancy journey
Choosing the right book during pregnancy isn’t just about information it’s about feeling supported, empowered, and seen during one of the most transformative times of your life. The best pregnancy books in 2025 offer more than medical advice; they provide guidance, comfort, emotional reassurance, and a sense of connection to other moms who’ve walked the same path.
Whether you’re looking for data-driven insights, holistic wellness, honest real-talk, or something meaningful to share with your partner, there’s a book on this list that will resonate with you.
👶 Let your instincts guide you, and trust that the right words can truly make your journey to motherhood even more beautiful.
