The Contented Pregnancy: Essential Advice from Conception to Birth

Ford (The Contented Little Baby Book), a UK maternity nurse who has written over 20 parenting books, here tells women what to expect from pregnancy, starting with conception and covering up to life at home with the baby. She details both the baby's growth and the mother's experience during each month of pregnancy and each labor stage and also discusses complications that could occur, especially if preexisting conditions are a factor. There is also a chapter on the changing relationship among the mother, her spouse, and family, and advice on the clothes, furniture, and supplies that are necessary to buy for the baby. While this is a well-written and informative book, some of the content is not relevant to an American audience. Although the resources section does have information on Ford's newsletter and website, it predominantly contains British websites, and some chapters use British terminology or refer to British maternal health services. Still, this is a solid overview of what a new mother should expect in regards to the pregnancy and childbirth.