21 of the Best Pregnancy Books (Including the One You Really Need)

Pregnancy is a wild ride — emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whether you're newly pregnant, TTC, or in full nesting mode, cracking open a book can make everything feel a bit more manageable (or at least, explain what the heck is going on with your body). From bump-to-baby memoirs to medically-backed guides, here's your go-to list of the best pregnancy books — including the very best one that we think every new mum should read. 👀

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What is the best book to read when pregnant?

There’s no denying it: there are a lot of pregnancy books out there. Some are written by doctors. Others by doulas, midwives, or sleep-deprived first-time parents. But the best one? It’s the one that makes you feel informed and seen (and yes, we've got a winner).

1. It Takes a Village And Other Essential Truths for New Mothers (Best overall)

If you’re looking for real talk on the third trimester, birth, and the chaotic blur of postpartum life — this is the book. It Takes a Village meets you exactly where you are: whether you're 30 weeks pregnant and wondering if you're even ready, or deep in newborn land wondering when you'll next shower.

Written by the creators of Peanut and backed by a village of real mums, this book covers:

• The third trimester: Emotional prep, unexpected worries, and trying to "plan the unplannable."
• The first few weeks: The identity crisis that comes with birth, crying (you and the baby), and the wild hormonal freefall.
• The first year: Navigating relationships, sleep deprivation, mum guilt, intimacy (what’s that?), and returning to work (or not).
• Beyond year one: Figuring out who you are now, mentally rebuilding, and realising you're not alone in the chaos.

With forewords by Lorraine Kelly and her daughter Rosie Smith, plus a heartfelt prologue from our very own Michelle Kennedy, this book doesn’t pretend motherhood is all pastel nurseries and oh-so-adorable newborn cuddles. It’s honest, inclusive, and most importantly — reminds you that you’re never doing this alone.

This is the pregnancy book for real mums. The ones who love their babies and still ask, “What the hell just happened to my life?”

Add it to your hospital bag. Seriously.

Is it good to read books during pregnancy?

Absolutely. Whether you're reading to baby or about pregnancy, books can lower stress, help you prep mentally and physically, and build confidence. Especially for first-time parents, the right book can be a lifeline. Here are a few others that come highly recommended by our Peanut mums:

2. Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom is Wrong and What You Really Need to Know by Emily Oster

If you're the kind of person who wants actual data — not just vague "rules" — this book is a game changer. Written by economist Emily Oster, Expecting Better breaks down the stats behind common pregnancy advice (like no coffee, no sushi, no fun) and puts you back in the driver's seat.

Oster takes on everything from weight gain and caffeine to genetic testing and bed rest, showing where the science supports the standard guidance — and where it doesn’t. It's smart, reassuring, and perfect if you’re tired of being told “just don’t” without any explanation. Think of it as the pregnancy book for people who ask, “But why though?”

3. Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood — and Trusting Yourself and Your Body by Erica Chidi

Nurture is like having a doula in book form. Erica Chidi, birth expert and founder of LOOM, brings you a gentle, holistic guide that goes beyond medical checklists to support your mind, body, and heart through pregnancy and postpartum.

This book blends practical advice with mindfulness tools, self-care rituals, trimester-specific remedies, and nourishing recipes — all designed to help you tune in to your body and trust your instincts. It’s inclusive, calm, and beautifully illustrated — perfect if you’re looking for something grounded in science but rooted in softness.

4. Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy by Angela Garbes

This isn’t your average pregnancy book — and that’s exactly the point. In Like a Mother, Angela Garbes tackles pregnancy through a feminist, investigative lens, unpacking the science and the social norms that shape how we experience motherhood.

With the sharp eye of a journalist and the honesty of someone who's lived it, Garbes dives into everything from placentas and labour to miscarriage, postpartum identity, and why we’re still being told to fear a glass of wine. It’s raw, eye-opening, and empowering — especially if you’ve ever left a doctor’s office with more questions than answers.

5. The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality by Kimberly Ann Johnson

This book is a lifeline for the often-overlooked phase after birth — the one where you're sent home with a newborn but zero instructions for yourself. In The Fourth Trimester, postpartum expert and doula Kimberly Ann Johnson delivers a compassionate, body-wise guide to help you heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually in the weeks and months after birth.

Drawing from a mix of traditions — Western medicine, Ayurveda, herbalism, yoga, and more — this book blends the practical (meal prep tips, pelvic floor care, relationship support) with the profound. It’s ideal if you want to prep before baby arrives, so you don’t just “power through” recovery but actually honour it.

6. Bumpin': The Modern Guide to Pregnancy: Navigating the Wild, Weird, and Wonderful Journey From Conception Through Birth and Beyond by Leslie Schrock

If you want a clear-eyed, no-BS roadmap to pregnancy that actually reflects real life in 2025, Bumpin’ is it. Written by tech investor-turned-mom Leslie Schrock, this guide walks you through the entire journey — from conception to the newborn stage — with smart advice, real science, and refreshing honesty.

It covers fertility treatments, genetic testing, mental health, body image, and all the messy middle parts most books skip. Schrock combines expert insight with her own firsthand experience to break down your options — without overwhelming you or adding pressure to be a “perfect” parent.

7. The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People by Jordan Reid and Erin Williams

Need a break from all the serious pregnancy advice? The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People is your hilarious, no-filter antidote. Part colouring book, part satirical diary, part “omg, yes!” read, it’s designed for those moments when you just need to laugh at how completely absurd pregnancy can be.

Packed with cheeky lists, wordsearches, mazes (like “get to the loo without vomiting”), and brutally honest takes on everything from baby name disasters to unsolicited birth advice, this is perfect for anyone who feels totally overwhelmed by all the earnest, pastel-toned parenting books.

8. The Second Baby Book: How to cope with pregnancy number two and create a happy home for your firstborn and new arrival by Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Having baby number two? This is the guide you didn’t know you needed. In The Second Baby Book, parenting expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith tackles the often-overlooked reality of growing your family — from the emotional juggle of bonding with a new baby while caring for your firstborn, to the practical chaos of managing two under five.

This isn’t just about logistics — it’s about helping you navigate the guilt, overwhelm, and excitement that come with a second pregnancy. Sarah explores everything from sibling preparation to how your second birth might feel (spoiler: it's often very different from the first), all backed by gentle advice and solid research.

9. Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition by Lily Nichols

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the conflicting food rules during pregnancy, Real Food for Pregnancy is the clarity you’ve been craving. Nutritionist Lily Nichols dives deep into the science behind what you really need to eat to support your baby’s development — and your own wellbeing — without recycling outdated or overly cautious advice.

Rather than simply telling you what to avoid, this book focuses on nutrient-dense, evidence-based eating that actually nourishes. From vitamins and minerals to managing blood sugar and understanding cravings, it’s packed with research-backed recommendations that go far beyond the standard pregnancy diet.

What is the best first time pregnancy book?

If you're pregnant for the first time, you probably have about 87 tabs open on your browser. Instead of doomscrolling at 3 a.m., why not pick up one of these books and join the conversation with other first-time mums on Peanut?

10. What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood by Dr. Alexandra Sacks and Dr. Catherine Birndorf

This isn’t a guide to baby milestones — it’s a guide to yours. In What No One Tells You, two leading reproductive psychiatrists take a deep dive into the emotional changes that come with becoming a parent, from that first positive test to the hazy early months of motherhood.

They explore matrescence — the psychological transition into motherhood — and why it can feel just as disorienting as adolescence. With empathy and expert insight, they unpack common but rarely discussed feelings like guilt, identity shifts, fear, sadness, and even resentment, helping you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to navigate it all without shame.

If you've ever thought, "Why didn't anyone warn me about this part?" — this is the book you’ve been looking for. Insightful, validating, and full of practical tips for looking after your mental wellbeing through pregnancy and beyond.

11. Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan: A revolutionary guide to pregnancy, birth and the weeks that follow by Rebekah Borucki

Forget perfection — this is the pregnancy book that meets you where you are and lets you figure out the rest. Your No Guilt Pregnancy Plan ditches the fluff and fruit comparisons in favour of real talk, practical tools, and supportive advice that helps you make informed choices your way.

Author Rebekah Borucki doesn’t shy away from the mental, emotional, and relational shifts that come with pregnancy. From navigating body image and setting boundaries, to preparing for birth and adjusting to life with a newborn, it’s all here — without pressure, shame, or preachiness.

12. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

A classic for a reason, Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth is one of the most trusted books out there for anyone looking to approach labour with more confidence and less fear. Written by legendary American midwife Ina May Gaskin, this book is packed with empowering birth stories and grounded advice on how to work with your body during childbirth — rather than against it.

Gaskin draws from decades of experience to explain how the mind-body connection can influence birth, and why creating the right environment — physically and emotionally — can make all the difference. It also explores common medical interventions, how to avoid unnecessary procedures, and how to advocate for yourself, whatever your birth setting.

Sure, some of it is a little woo, but the birth stories and body-trusting philosophy can be super empowering — especially if you're nervous.

13. The Day-by-Day Pregnancy Book by Dr Maggie Blott

For parents who want a comprehensive, medically grounded look at pregnancy from start to finish, The Day-by-Day Pregnancy Book offers exactly that — literally. This beautifully illustrated guide tracks your journey one day at a time, from conception through to the first fortnight with your newborn.

Expect detailed insights into your baby’s development, with real imagery and clear, accessible explanations. There's expert advice on everything from nutrition and exercise to labour choices and the immediate hours after birth, plus Q&As with both specialists and real mums to keep things grounded and reassuring.

14. The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by Marie Louise

Written by award-winning Senior Midwife Marie Louise, this modern guide is a brilliant blend of practical advice and fascinating science, designed to empower you at every stage — from pre-conception right through to early motherhood.

What sets this book apart is its ability to take complex ideas (like how your baby works with you during labour or the science behind breast milk) and explain them in a clear, engaging way. It’s packed with evidence-based info, reassuring insights, and mind-blowing facts about how you and your baby are already connected long before birth.

15. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, 2nd Edition by Dr Myra J. Wick MD PhD

If you’re after a straightforward, medically-backed reference guide you can truly rely on, the Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy ticks every box. Written by a team of leading obstetricians and gynaecologists, this updated edition offers week-by-week insights into your baby’s development, along with practical advice on everything from fertility and nutrition to medications, exercise, and labour options.

It’s packed with expert answers to all the big (and not-so-big) questions — without any fluff, judgment, or conflicting opinions. You'll also find up-to-date takes on newer trends like vaginal seeding and placentophagy, plus detailed breakdowns of risks and benefits across a range of birth choices.

What can I read in the third trimester?

Whether you’re in your first trimester or you’ve just seen your first positive, it’s a great time to start soaking up insight. The books below cover everything from birth plans to breastfeeding to what actually happens to your body and brain.

16. The Positive Birth Book by Milli Hill

If the idea of birth makes you feel a bit anxious — or like you’re meant to just ‘go with the flow’ and hope for the best — The Positive Birth Book is the antidote. British author and birth activist Milli Hill lays out everything you actually need to know about labour, birth, and those intense early weeks with your newborn, all in a voice that feels like your straight-talking, funny mate who’s done it before.

Whether you’re planning a home birth, hospital birth, or caesarean, this book helps you work out what kind of experience you want — and how to stack the odds in your favour. It covers your rights, your choices, how birth really works, and how to advocate for yourself when things get overwhelming. Plus, it's packed with evidence-based info on things like delayed cord clamping, birth plans that actually make sense, and your postnatal mental health.

17. Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster

If you loved Expecting Better, Emily Oster’s follow-up is just as game-changing — but this time, it’s all about what happens after the baby arrives. Cribsheet takes the whirlwind of early parenting decisions — breast or bottle, sleep training or co-sleeping, childcare options — and breaks them down with cold, hard data (presented in a totally readable, non-preachy way).

Instead of telling you what to do, Oster lays out the pros, cons, and actual statistics behind each choice, so you can decide what works best for your family — without the guilt or second-guessing. Perfect for parents who want a no-nonsense, evidence-based approach that cuts through the noise and helps you keep your cool from newborn to nursery.

18. Your Baby, Your Birth: Hypnobirthing Skills For Every Birth by Hollie de Cruz

If you're looking for the best hypnobirthing book to help you feel calm, prepared, and empowered — this one’s a standout. In Your Baby, Your Birth, hypnobirthing coach Hollie de Cruz takes a refreshingly modern approach to birth prep that works for every type of birth — from home water births to planned caesareans.

With a focus on tuning into your body, managing fear, and building confidence through guided meditations and breathing exercises, Hollie offers practical tools you can actually use — no crystals required (unless you're into that). She also helps your birth partner feel involved and confident, which is a big win for everyone.

When should I start reading books to my unborn baby?

You can start reading to baby as early as you like — even from the moment you get your positive test — but they’ll be able to hear you around 18 weeks. Reading to your bump might feel a little silly at first, but studies suggest it can boost bonding, language development, and even soothe your baby after birth if they recognise your voice or favourite book.

19. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

A timeless classic that’s just as meaningful for parents as it is for little ones, Guess How Much I Love You is the perfect story to start reading to your bump — or to bookmark for those first snuggly days together.

The gentle tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare trying to outdo each other in declarations of love is simple, sweet, and endlessly reassuring. The rhythm and repetition make it soothing to read aloud, and the sentiment is one you’ll find yourself quoting long after the book’s closed.

Whether your hormones are raging or not, chances are, you’ll cry. In a good way.

20. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Soft, soothing, and endlessly nostalgic, Goodnight Moon is a bedtime staple for a reason. Set in a cosy green room, this gentle book follows a little bunny as he says goodnight to everything around him — from the moon and the mittens to the quiet old lady whispering hush.

The rhythmic, repetitive text and warm illustrations create a calming wind-down that’s perfect for reading aloud — whether to your bump or your newborn. It’s the kind of story you’ll find yourself reciting from memory before long, and one that settles beautifully into the bedtime routine.

21. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Pregnancy brain is real — and sometimes, what you need most isn’t another fact-packed guide or birthing technique, but a cosy, feel-good story to curl up with. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is exactly that: warm, whimsical, and pure escapism.

The story follows Mika Moon, a solitary witch who’s spent her life hiding her powers — until she’s asked to teach three chaotic young witches at a crumbling house filled with eccentric characters (including a grumpy but loveable librarian). What follows is part magical mischief, part found-family charm, with just the right sprinkle of romance.

It’s light without being fluffy, heartfelt without being heavy, and so comforting you’ll want to read it aloud to your bump just to share the magic. A perfect choice for those slow, quiet moments when you need to switch off and be transported somewhere a little more sparkly.

Whether you're looking for hard facts, gentle reassurance, or something that'll make you laugh when your feet are swollen and you can’t sleep — there’s a pregnancy book for that. And if you're going to pick just one, make it It Takes A Village. It’s the perfect mix of credible and comforting, like texting your smartest friend and getting medical advice that doesn’t freak you out.

Happy reading, mama. You’ve got this. ❤️