The Fat Ladies Club: The Indispensable 'Real World' Guide to Pregnancy [Paperback]

The five authors of this alternative guide to pregnancy met at ante-natal classes and became friends. Instead of a text-book analysis of what happens during all the stages of pregnancy, this offers a down-to-earth experience from five women's perspectives. The honesty, notably in the chapter on sex, is endearing. The chatty, warm, style is undeniably readable, and bearing in mind how much information overload pregnant women have to handle, this certainly isn't a taxing read. It's a reassuring one.

The amateurish tone and the fact that these are clearly not professional writers is oddly the biggest plus point--and paradoxically the biggest weakness. Cynics will point to the overuse of certain words (namely "well"), the contrived jokes and liberal clichés. This, however, is not the fault of the five intelligent women who consist of a community learning disability nurse, a European Business studies graduate, a research scientist, a police officer and an accountant. While the style and approach would have been ideal for a Web site, many readers will be put off by the unnecessary suburban style (not to mention illustrations). Skilful editing and rewriting on the part of the publishers would have elevated their experiences from what amounts to an extended mass magazine feature, and done them the justice their honesty deserves. --Lorna V --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

THE FAT LADIES CLUB met at antenatal classes and became firm friends. This book is the result of their shared experiences of first-time pregnancy. Nothing is left out, so be prepared to read about their emotions, hormones and bodily changes - some humorous, some horrendous - as the ladies get ready for motherhood. Forget the textbook theory and settle down for what amounts to an eavesdrop into their girly chats. Did they get stretch marks - how many, where and what were they like? What happened to their sex lives? Did 'it' feel the same afterwards? When did they first feel like a mum? Other books give you the factual stuff but this alternative guide to the real ins and outs of pregnancy gives advice which all women will learn from.

The five authors met at antenatal classes in Berkhamsted. Each from different backgrounds, they became friends and decided to write about their FAT LADIES' CLUB. This is their first book.