Best Pregnancy & Childbirth Books of 2026

What to Expect When You're Expecting is a comprehensive guide for expectant mothers, covering everything from pregnancy symptoms to birthing options. Written by Heidi Murkoff, the book provides practical advice, easy-to-use tips, and reassurance for all stages of pregnancy. It also includes information on prenatal screenings, safe medications, and pregnancy lifestyle. The book is an essential resource for new parents, with a chapter dedicated to expecting multiples and even covering what to expect if you are a dad. Overall, it is a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable and informative guide to pregnancy and childbirth.

Expecting Better by Emily Oster is a data-driven guide to pregnancy that debunks myths and provides women with the information they need to make their own right choices. Oster, an award-winning economist, evaluated the data behind the accepted rules of pregnancy and discovered that most are misguided, and some are just flat-out wrong. The book covers everything from the real effects of caffeine to the surprising dangers of gardening, empowering pregnant women to enjoy a healthy and relaxed pregnancy. This book is a must-read for curious mothers-to-be looking to make informed decisions about their pregnancy.

Welcome To The World is an award-winning hardback picture book celebrating the arrival of a new baby. The charming story follows a little elephant on an exciting journey, discovering the wonders of the world. The book includes messages of wellbeing and has space for a personal message in the front, making it a wonderful keepsake gift for any baby celebration. The book is beautifully illustrated and ethically produced from sustainably sourced materials. This is a delightful feel-good story to read to a baby or young child, and it's a great idea to have a second story in the range for the elder sibling. Overall, a must-have for parents and caregivers!

Dear Future Mama: A TMI Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood from Your Bestie by Meghan Trainor is a heartfelt and humorous guide for expectant mothers. The book offers a TMI guide to the good, bad, and WTF of conception, pregnancy, and childbirth, along with advice on everything from ovulation apps to random hair growth. Meghan shares her personal stories about body image, mental health, and navigating her career path as a new mother. The book provides future mamas a place to relax, laugh out loud, and get the pep talk they need to know that they are absolutely not alone. Overall, this book is a plucky companion for expecting mothers, and it feels like chatting with a good friend.

Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool (The ParentData Series) is a must-read for any new parent. Emily Oster, a trained expert and mother of two, debunks myths around breastfeeding, sleep training, potty training, language acquisition, and more, providing parents with the data they need to make their own best decisions. The book is a delightful read and a thinking parent's guide to the chaos and frequent misinformation of the early years. Overall, Cribsheet is an invaluable resource that empowers parents to make informed choices based on the latest research.

We're Pregnant! The First Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook by Adrian Kulp is an essential guide for new dads who want to become excellent first-time fathers and all-time great partners. The book covers everything from the basics of pregnancy to designing a birthing plan and tips on being helpful and supportive for your partner. It provides must-ask questions for the doctor, milestone trackers, and more. What sets this book apart is its focus on one month at a time, making it easy for new dads to know what to expect when and which milestones are coming up. Overall, it's a funny, friendly, and relatable guide that every first-time dad should read.

Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols is a comprehensive guide to optimal prenatal nutrition. Nichols provides clear and evidence-based recommendations on what to eat and why during pregnancy. Her approach to nutrition is not only relevant during pregnancy but for the rest of your life. The book is well-referenced and more in-depth than many textbooks, making it a valuable resource for birth professionals and expectant mothers alike. If you want to make healthy food choices that support a smooth and healthy pregnancy, Real Food for Pregnancy is a must-read.

It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett is a practical and informative guide for women struggling with infertility, miscarriage, and failed IVF cycles. The book offers a comprehensive program for improving egg quality in just three months, with tailored advice for various fertility challenges. Fett provides evidence-based strategies such as minimizing exposure to toxins, choosing the right vitamins and supplements, and following nutritional advice to boost IVF success rates. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking natural ways to improve their chances of getting pregnant and delivering a healthy baby.

The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother is a guidebook for new mothers, based on the author's personal experience with zuo yuezi, a traditional Chinese postpartum confinement period. The book includes 60 easy-to-follow recipes for healing soups, lactation-boosting teas, and replenishing meals to support the mother's unique needs. Moreover, it provides advice on navigating relationship challenges and arranging a system of help during the postpartum period. This practical and inspiring guide is an excellent resource for new mothers and mothers-to-be who are searching for guidance and support during the first few weeks with their newborns.

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth "Updated With New Material" is an informative and inspiring book for expectant mothers who want to have a natural childbirth experience. The author, Ina May Gaskin, shares her extensive knowledge and experience as a midwife, providing comprehensive information on everything from the mind-body connection to how to give birth without medical intervention. The book includes practical advice and inspiring birth stories that will help women reduce the pain of labor, avoid postpartum bleeding and depression, and work with doctors and birth care providers. Overall, this book takes the fear out of childbirth and empowers women to trust in their own natural power to give birth with ease and less pain.