Just about every mother has their ‘must have’ pregnancy books, that are like a pre and post natal bible to them. We think that during pregnancy, there are three essentials that all women will need number one, an excellent partner who will provide endless back rubs and late night runs to the supermarket; number two a 9 month’s supply of Gaviscon/Quikeze, Metamucil and chocolate; and three a pregnancy book.

Although you can never get enough knowledge, purchasing more than a couple of pregnancy books may leave you with information overload. It’s best to look for a book on pregnancy that will match your reading expectations. Whether this is a reference book, a visual manual or a light hearted read, we’ve got the best selling books about pregnancy covered:

The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, by the Mayo Clinic

If you’re looking for a precise reference guide then the reputable Mayo Clinic is the place to go. It is written in professional, no nonsense language and gets right down to the business of being pregnant. Parent’s looking for the medical facts and nothing more will love The Mayo Guide.

The New Pregnancy Bible: The Experts Guide to Pregnancy and Early Parenthood,by Joanne Stone

One of the best things about The New Pregnancy Bible is that the illustrations and graphics surpass most other books on the market. Recently revised and updated, The New Pregnancy Bible can offer you a more visual look into pregnancy (if that’s what you’re into!) as well as the pregnancy information and organization you’d expect.

Fearless Pregnancy: Wisdom and Reassurance from a Doctor, a Midwife and a Mom by Victoria Clayton, Stuart Fischbein and Joyce Weckl

A little nervous about your pregnancy? Then this is the book for you. Fearless Pregnancy offers a peaceful read that can ease your worries that many other pregnancy books will only heighten. You will be left feeling comforted and relaxed about your pregnancy after reading this one.

The Mother of All Pregnancy Books by Ann Douglas

Readers will know as soon as they pick up this text book that you are in for a long read. For the mother-to-be looking for the comprehensive and well-indexed approach to pregnancy and early parenthood, this is the best pregnancy book for you.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff

Considered to be every woman’s pregnancy manual, What to Expect is great for those who want something they can flip through on a daily/weekly/basis without being too confronted with information or medical jargon. The real life pregnancy questions and the tone will satisfy all your reading needs.

Up The Duff by Kaz Cooke

Hilariously delightful, Kaz Cooke documents a pregnancy in this journal-style book, with plenty of information, tips and progress indicators along the way. The best thing about this book is, it’s Australian! No bossy-boots rules, just lots of cartoons and everything you need to know about the scary parts, the funny parts and your private parts. 

Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childhood, by Jenny McCarthy

The books is short and not-so-sweet for those with a darker sense of humour.  Although there are several clichés and the humour can be described as nothing but crude, it is still a fun way to spend a couple of hours. Grab Belly Laughs from a friend and indulge in a warm bath and some giggles.

A final tip on purchasing pregnancy books

Check out the bundle packages offered through online sites which can provide you with a pregnancy book, baby name book and sleeping guide for a fraction of the price. Furthermore, many Facebook, Gumtree and eBay sellers will offer cheap second hand versions of these loved books.  While a pregnancy guide is a must-have for most parents to be, especially if you don’t want to rely on the internet forums for advice, you don’t want to spend too much, especially with all the other purchases coming up.

What was your go-to pregnancy bible? Did you have the same book for all your pregnancies?