Thorough...
This book answered every question a first time expectant mum could want answers to-- it has advice and information from preconception to the early days of caring for your newborn. It gave matter-of-fact information that did not speak down to the reader, but rather put things into simple, concrete terms which made this book a straight forward and enjoyable read. The book does not read like a magazine with 'real life stories from the trenches', but is more medical and clinical in tone so it is not for someone looking for a flowery book of 'feel good stories' about the joy of pregnancy.
Concise...
First off, to be as specific as possible, this book utilises the reference guide approach, breaking pregnancy down into the three major stages. There is a good mix of graphs, charts and practical, plain language information based on recent and ongoing research.
Second, the sections which focused not just on the physical changes a pregnant woman's body goes through, but also the emotional changes due to being pregnant, as well as whilst giving birth and then being a new Mum were well written and very helpful. The Pregnancy Bible does not just mention the psychological elements, but gives a very thoughtful and in-depth overview which I found interesting and hugely helpful in navigating my less than rational moments whilst being pregnant. It gave me a sort of permission to laugh at myself by reassuring me that what I was feeling was really very normal. I have found other pregnancy books lack this sort of anthropological insight into pregnancy (why it is that we do some seemingly very crazy things whilst pregnant), and when other books do attempt to discuss the psychological side of pregnancy, it is the same old song and dance about it being 'just down to hormones' written in multiple, albeit very creative ways.
Third and finally, the writing is clear and to the point, making this a good reference book if you have a specific question and works equally well as a general read for those who just want to know as much as humanly possible about (pre)conception, pregnancy and what to expect in those early days of Mummy-hood.
Reassuring...
One might describe this book as a sort of coach for the mum-to-be, explaining just about every pregnancy 'niggle' imaginable, all the while remaining positive and practical if you should find yourself experiencing an issue. For example, for those who are nauseous and vomiting all day long in their first trimester, The Pregnancy Bible explains that there is no need to worry that baby is suffering (A common worry by any mum-to-be) due to lack of nutrients. In short concise language, the book describes the nutritional demands of a foetus in the first trimester as being quite minimal and goes on to explain how recent research shows that the pregnant body is exceptionally clever and compensates for this very common first trimester problem. It goes into depth of explanation, but not overly so which I found to be excellent in quelling any fears I had.
Furthermore, I used this book tirelessly throughout my pregnancy, reading and re-reading vast sections of it and what is abundantly clear is that a great deal of care has gone into the writing of this book-- it uses very supportive, reassuring language which helps a woman to feel confident in her body's ability to successfully grow and nurture the growing life inside her.
Authoritative...
This is the definitive book of pregnancy and if I am being perfectly honest, after purchasing this book I really didn't need any other books or magazines to 'fill in the gaps' of this book's scope because there simply were not any gaps. It is a well rounded and concise reference, general and in depth look at (pre)conception, pregnancy and early days after the birth. I cannot recommend this book highly enough-- it is truly the definitive book on the subject and a must have for anyone thinking of having a baby.
Finally...
The Pregnancy Bible truly stands out as one of the very best amongst the books of its kind, demonstrating that the Pregnancy Bible doesn't disappoint and delivery on its promise, becoming any pregnant woman's bible for 9 months +!
