When I first heard about the MommyMD guides — like The MommyMD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth — I was imagining a somewhat “random” collection of tips.  That’s not what this is at all!  Rather, it’s a week-by-week guide to pregnancy that “happens to be” written by mamas who are doctors themselves.

Each week is divided into several sections.  First, there’s a brief description of baby’s size.  Then there’s a section about baby’s development and one about your development.  This is the basics.

However, each chapter then also addresses any specific issues/concerns that may come up around that week.  For instance, Braxton-Hicks contractions.  A number of anecdotes, tips, and personal suggestions are offered from a number of doctor-moms.

Occasionally, sidebars point out “when to call your doctor/midwife.” However, I like that this emphasizes normal, rather than emphasizing the rare potential bad stuff.  There is “that book” about pregnancy with which we’re all familiar, and I hate it because it’s such a fear-mongering book.  This accomplishes the same basic purpose, but with a much more positive slant, rather than keeping mamas in a panic throughout their pregnancies.  (Doubly good, as lots of maternal stress isn’t good for the baby, either!)

The mamas featured in this book are real moms, with real kids (more than 160 children among them!), and all are MD’s or DO’s.  The advice they offer is the advice they actually put into practice in their own homes, so it’s more trustworthy than what you might hear from your doctor at the doctor’s office where they feel the need to “cover their rears” from a legal perspective. 😉  Also, specific products are recommended in text boxes throughout — products that the authors themselves have found beneficial.

I was very disappointed in the section on epidurals.  Every testimonial was pro-epidural, and the tone was rather demeaning toward women who choose a drug-free birth.  The implication was very strong that the only reason any woman would ever consider a drug-free birth is for “bragging rights.”   Although I was not surprised to see epidurals encouraged, I found this tone offensive.

Although I honestly never would have thought to pick this book up, it’s a good basic “what to expect during pregnancy” option.  Of course, you can find it at all of the major booksellers.   (It’s also available for Kindle, Nook, and iPad.)

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from the publisher to facilitate my review, as well as a few samples of (supplement-type) products recommended in the book.  As always, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.