5 Essential References for Expectant Moms
First time moms are full of questions. Often, women even have questions before they become pregnant, as trying to conceive can seem like quite a mystery. You’ll find that you constantly have questions during your pregnancy if it’s the first time, and even women experiencing their second or third pregnancy have questions, since each time can bring different symptoms. Following are five great references for helping you answer those nagging questions as you try to conceive and make your way through the journey of bringing a child into the world.
Getting Pregnant – What You Need to Know Right Now – (Lauerson and Bouchez) – This reference explains the science of conception and gives you expert advice on maximizing your chances of conceiving every month. You’ll learn how to chart your temperature so that you can time lovemaking to the very best times of the month for baby making.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting – (Murkoff and Mazel) This is the book on pregnancy – and it’s now in its fourth edition. You’ll find answers to your most common questions as well as some pretty unusual ones, in an easy to follow format. This book is a must for every pregnant woman’s library. You can also get a great pregnancy planner to go along with the book, and there’s a companion guide for the father to be as well. In addition, they have a great website for online reference.
Most expectant mothers want some online resources for quick questions and as a way to track their pregnancy and meet other expectant moms. There are several great websites, including:
Pregnancy Weekly– This site allows you to track your pregnancy weekly, and keep track visually of baby’s development. There’s lots of great information on this site, and you’ll find yourself using it well after baby is born, too, since it offers great parenting information, too.
Pregnancy.com – This is a very comprehensive site on pregnancy. You’ll be able to track your pregnancy, join discussion groups with other moms who are due in the same month as you, learn tricks to relieve annoying pregnancy symptoms and find out the best places to buy maternity clothes. In addition, you’ll be able to see some fantastic pictures of what your baby looks like at every stage of development.
Pregnancy Planet – This site is a pregnancy community. While it does offer advice and information about stages of pregnancy and fetal development, it’s best asset is its active discussion community. This is one of the very best sites for connecting with other moms to be and reading personal pregnancy blogs. Many women enjoy this sort of social interaction during pregnancy, particularly when they can connect with women due around the same time as their own due date.
There’s no more exciting time in your life than pregnancy. However, the changes that your body goes through can often seem quite strange, and having references you can turn to can be very comforting. Use these references and others you find on your own to keep you comforted, educated and entertained during this incredible time in your life.
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