14 Best Pregnancy and Birth Books

When you find out you’re pregnant, there’s SO much to be excited about! But there’s also a whole lot to figure out and learn. What’s happening to your body? What should you be eating? What is labor actually going to feel like? How do you know which decisions are right for you and your baby? And where do you even begin?!

One of my favorite ways to prepare for pregnancy, birth, and motherhood is by reading a good book. There is so much great information out there and some amazing books available. And after more than 15 years as a birth doula and childbirth educator, attending over 350 births, and becoming a mom of two myself, I’ve read my fair share of pregnancy and birth books. Some I’ve loved, some I’ve passed along to my clients, and others… well, let’s just say they didn’t make this list. 😉

The books I’ve chosen below are ones I think are truly worth your time. Some will teach you about your changing body and growing baby; others will help you prepare for labor; and a few will offer a different perspective on birth and becoming a mother. Different books will suit different readers, depending on their questions and birth preferences. And yes, you’ll even find my own pregnancy book on this list! Writing it was a dream come true, and I poured everything I’ve learned from supporting hundreds of families into its pages.

Best Pregnancy Books for Expecting Moms

Whether you’re in your first trimester or counting down the weeks until your due date, these pregnancy books have so much valuable information to offer. From understanding your baby’s development to nourishing your body and preparing for everything ahead, these are some of my favorite resources for expecting moms.

1. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin and coauthors

If you want one book that covers pretty much EVERYTHING about pregnancy, birth, and those first weeks with your baby, this is a great one to have on your bookshelf.

This book is packed with information about how your body changes during pregnancy, your baby’s development, prenatal care, labor, birth, and postpartum recovery. It also covers different birth options, comfort techniques, and what to expect if medical interventions become part of your experience.

What I love is that it’s a resource you can keep coming back to. Have a question about something happening during your second trimester? There’s a section for that. Want to understand the stages of labor a little better? They’ve got you covered.

Best for: First-time parents who want a comprehensive pregnancy and childbirth reference.

2. Expecting Better by Emily Oster

I’ve heard a lot of questions from expecting moms over the years. Can I eat sushi? How much caffeine is too much? What about that glass of wine? Pregnancy seems to come with a never-ending list of rules, and sometimes it’s hard to know where those recommendations actually come from.

That’s what makes Expecting Better such an interesting read.

Emily Oster is an economist who examines the research behind common pregnancy recommendations. She looks at the data, breaks down the studies, and encourages readers to think critically about the information they’re given, which I love.

I also appreciate that this book gets expecting moms asking questions and looking more closely at the evidence. That said, I don’t necessarily agree with every conclusion, particularly her interpretation of the research on alcohol during pregnancy. While I appreciate her research, there really is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and current medical guidance recommends avoiding it.¹

Still, if you’re someone who loves understanding the why behind recommendations, this book will definitely get you thinking!

Best for: Expecting parents who enjoy research and want to better understand the evidence behind common pregnancy recommendations.

3. The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy by Nina Spears

Okay, I couldn’t put together a list of my favorite pregnancy books without including the one I wrote. 🧡

After more than 15 years of supporting pregnant women and their families, I kept noticing something. So much of the attention during pregnancy goes toward the baby (as it should!), but moms deserve that same level of care, preparation, and support. That’s a big part of why I wrote The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy.

I wanted to create a resource that helps women prepare for pregnancy in a way that supports their whole selves: physically, mentally, emotionally, and alongside their partners. I have found that so much that is marketed to parents is about the stuff. We also need to prepare for birth, changes in our relationships, and life with a new baby.

The book is basically like a doula and baby planner in book form. It walks you through each month and week of pregnancy with practical information about nutrition, movement, emotional well-being, partner preparation, and all those little things that can make a big difference along the way.

You’ll also find my checklists, journal prompts, affirmations, meditations, recipes, exercises, questions to ask your provider, and plenty of tips from my years as a doula and childbirth educator that I use with all of my clients.

It’s truly the pregnancy guide I wish every expecting mom had, and I’m so proud to finally share it with families. My hope is that it helps you enjoy your pregnancy while feeling informed, supported, and ready for what’s ahead.

Best for: Expecting moms who want a practical, holistic guide to prepare their minds, bodies, and partners throughout pregnancy for what’s to come.

4. Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re eating the right things during pregnancy, you’re definitely not alone. Nutrition can feel surprisingly complicated when you’re growing a tiny human! That’s why I think Real Food for Pregnancy is such a great resource.

Lily Nichols is a registered dietitian who takes a detailed look at prenatal nutrition and the nutrients that matter most during pregnancy. She explains the science behind her recommendations and offers practical ways to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into your meals. I particularly like how she breaks down topics such as protein, healthy fats, and blood sugar balance. It’s helpful to understand what different nutrients actually do for you and your baby.

Some of her recommendations differ from conventional prenatal nutrition guidelines, so it’s always a good idea to discuss your individual dietary needs with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

Best for: Expecting moms who want a detailed explanation of prenatal nutrition and practical ideas for meals.

Related: Best Foods To Eat During Pregnancy

5. Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen

I have such an appreciation for pregnancy books that encourage women to slow down and really care for themselves during this season of life. And that’s exactly what Nurture does.

Written by doula Erica Chidi Cohen, this book takes a beautiful, holistic approach to pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood. Along with practical information, you’ll find recipes, mindfulness exercises, self-care suggestions, and thoughtful guidance for navigating the emotional side of pregnancy.

I especially love that it encourages moms to tune into their bodies and think about what they need throughout this experience. Pregnancy brings so many changes, and having a resource that reminds you to care for yourself along the way is incredibly valuable.

This would be a lovely book to read a little at a time throughout pregnancy.

Best for: Expecting moms who appreciate a holistic, nurturing approach to pregnancy and early motherhood.

6. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy by the pregnancy experts at Mayo Clinic

Some people just want to know what’s happening in their body and get a straightforward explanation from medical professionals. If that’s you, that’s where this book comes in!

The Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy is one of those resources that’s great to have nearby whenever a new question pops up. It covers everything from fetal development and common pregnancy symptoms to prenatal appointments, testing, and potential complications. I like that the information is organized in a way that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for without having to read the entire book from cover to cover.

I like including this one because it provides a medical perspective that complements some of the more holistic books on this list.

Best for: Expecting parents who want a medically focused, easy-to-reference pregnancy guide.

Best Birth Books to Prepare for Labor and Delivery

Now, let’s talk about BIRTH! This is obviously a topic I could talk about all day.

I love recommending books that help women understand how birth works, consider their options, learn comfort techniques, and prepare mentally and emotionally for labor. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, want an epidural, or are preparing for a cesarean, there’s something valuable to learn from these books.

7. The Birth Book by Dr. Jennifer Lincoln

If you’ve ever wished an OB-GYN would sit down with you and explain what really happens during labor and delivery, this book is for you!

Dr. Jennifer Lincoln does a great job of making childbirth education approachable and helping expecting parents understand the medical side of birth. She covers topics such as induction, pain management, cesarean birth, medical interventions, and how to communicate with your healthcare team.

What I appreciate about this book is that it encourages women to ask questions and be active participants in their care. And as a doula, you know I am ALL about that! I also love having a modern OB-GYN’s perspective on this list, especially for parents planning a hospital birth.

Best for: Expecting parents who want a modern, medically informed guide to labor and delivery.

Related: Tips for Partners During Labor and Delivery

8. Transformed by Birth by Britta Bushnell, PhD

Oh, this is such a good one if you’re interested in the emotional and mental side of preparing for birth!

Britta Bushnell is a childbirth educator who explores something we don’t always spend enough time talking about: how birth can change us. She encourages women to look at their expectations, fears, and beliefs about childbirth and consider how they might approach the experience with more openness and flexibility.

I particularly appreciate her perspective on letting go of the idea that birth has to unfold in one specific way to be meaningful or positive.

There is so much more to childbirth preparation than learning about contractions and cervical dilation. Preparing your mind and understanding your emotions can be incredibly valuable, too.

Best for: Expecting moms who want to prepare mentally and emotionally for childbirth and the transition into motherhood.

I also joined Britta on her podcast. Listen to our conversation.

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

This is one of those classic childbirth books that has been passed around in the birth community for years, and for good reason!

One of my favorite things about Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth is the collection of positive birth stories. Unfortunately, so many women grow up hearing terrible and frightening stories about labor and delivery. And while birth can certainly be unpredictable, I think it’s important for expecting moms to hear about positive experiences, too. Ina May shares stories of women giving birth and explores topics such as the physiology of labor, the birth environment, and the connection between the mind and body.

This book definitely leans toward physiologic and unmedicated childbirth, and some of the medical information is a little dated, so I recommend reading it alongside more current resources. But if you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth or simply want to read some encouraging birth stories, this is a classic worth exploring.

Best for: Expecting moms interested in unmedicated birth, physiologic childbirth, and encouraging birth stories.

10. The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin and Melissa Cheyney

Partners, this one’s for you! And expecting moms, I think you’ll appreciate it, too.

I’ve attended a lot of births, and I can tell you that having a supportive, prepared birth partner can make SUCH a difference during labor. But here’s the thing: partners aren’t automatically going to know what to do when contractions get intense. They need to learn and practice those skills ahead of time, too! That’s why I love The Birth Partner.

This book walks partners through the stages of labor, what the birthing person may be experiencing, and how they can offer practical support. It covers comfort measures, labor positions, emotional support, medical procedures, and ways to help when plans change. I especially appreciate that it gives partners actual tools they can use during labor.

This is one I’d encourage you and your partner to read together. You can even practice some of the comfort techniques before your due date!

Best for: Birth partners and couples who want practical tools for supporting labor and childbirth.

Related: 16 Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby Books Every Partner Should Read

11. Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke, CNM

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know how much I believe in preparing your mind for childbirth. And this book does a great job of exploring that connection.

Nancy Bardacke is a nurse-midwife and mindfulness teacher who shares techniques to help expecting parents stay present, work through discomfort, and respond to challenging moments during labor. You’ll learn about mindfulness, meditation, breathing, and ways to approach the sensations and emotions that can come with childbirth.

And what I really love is that these tools can be helpful regardless of your birth preferences. Planning an unmedicated birth? Wonderful. Want an epidural? Great! Preparing for a cesarean? These mindfulness practices can still be useful. Plus, many of these skills can carry over into postpartum and parenthood, which is a pretty great bonus.

Best for: Expecting moms interested in mindfulness, meditation, and mental preparation for labor.

12. Natural Hospital Birth by Cynthia Gabriel

If you’re planning to give birth in a hospital but hoping to have an unmedicated or low-intervention birth, I think you’ll find this book especially helpful.

As a doula, I’ve supported many women who wanted an unmedicated or low-intervention birth while having the resources of a hospital available if needed. And one thing I’ve learned is how important it is to prepare ahead of time.

In Natural Hospital Birth, doula Cynthia Gabriel shares practical tips for communicating with your healthcare team, creating a supportive birth environment, and preparing for labor. She also explores comfort measures, birth preferences, and ways to advocate for yourself throughout the process. I really appreciate that this book encourages expecting moms to think through their options and have conversations with their providers before labor begins.

Birth can be unpredictable, and sometimes medical interventions are necessary. But understanding your preferences and preparing for different possibilities can help you feel more involved in your experience.

Best for: Expecting moms who hope to have an unmedicated or low-intervention hospital birth.

Related: This Is Birth: A Documentary by Lisa Ling

13. Birth Vibes by Jen Hamilton, RN

If you’ve seen Jen Hamilton on social media, you probably already know why I wanted to include her book on this list! She’s a labor and delivery nurse who has a great way of explaining childbirth in a relatable, approachable, and often hilarious way. And sometimes, that’s exactly what expecting parents need!

Jen brings her experience from the labor and delivery floor into her childbirth education, helping parents better understand what happens during birth and what they might expect in the hospital. I love including her perspective because labor and delivery nurses play such an important role in the birth experience. They’re often the people spending the most time with you while you’re laboring in the hospital, minus your partner or doula.

If you’re a first-time mom who feels nervous about childbirth or simply wants to learn from someone who sees birth every day, this is a fun and helpful addition to your reading list.

Best for: First-time parents who want relatable, approachable childbirth education from a labor and delivery nurse.

A Book to Help You Prepare for Postpartum

Okay, I know this article is about pregnancy and birth books, but I couldn’t finish this list without including one more recommendation.

As a postpartum doula, I feel strongly about helping moms prepare for what happens AFTER their babies arrive. We spend so much time thinking about pregnancy, the nursery, baby gear, and the birth itself. But what about your recovery? Your emotional well-being? Your relationships? The support you’ll need when you’re home with your newborn? Those things deserve attention, too!

14. The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson

This book is such a great reminder that moms deserve care, support, and attention after childbirth.

In The Fourth Trimester, Kimberly Ann Johnson explores the physical and emotional changes that happen after having a baby, along with the importance of rest, recovery, relationships, and reconnecting with your body. She also shares holistic practices and ideas for supporting postpartum healing, which I love.

What I really appreciate most about this book is that it encourages women to think about their postpartum needs before their babies arrive.

As a postpartum doula, I’ve seen how much of a difference it makes when families have a plan for meals, household help, emotional support, and recovery. Because once that sweet baby arrives, you’ll have plenty on your plate. And you deserve to be cared for, too, mama.

Best for: Expecting moms who want to prepare for their physical and emotional recovery after childbirth.

Choosing the Right Books for You

Before you start filling your cart with all 14, please know that you don’t have to read every single one. Choose the books that speak to you, answer your biggest questions, and support the kind of preparation you’re looking for.

Maybe you’re someone who loves digging into research and medical information. Maybe you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth and want to read encouraging birth stories. Or maybe you’re looking for ways to prepare your mind, body, and partner for everything ahead. Whatever your goals, I hope these books help you feel more informed and supported throughout your pregnancy.

And one last tip from this doula: Don’t forget to prepare together! Share what you’re learning with your partner, talk about your preferences, practice comfort techniques, and ask questions during your prenatal appointments.

If you’d like a structured childbirth class, I’d love to help you through my SOAR Birth Course. It’s designed to help you and your partner prepare for labor and delivery with practical lessons, comfort techniques, and tools you can use when the big day arrives.

Happy reading, mama! 🧡