20+ Must-Read Books During Pregnancy 

Summary: From “The Birth Partner to 50 Things to Do Before you Deliver” to “Garbh Geeta,” this blog tells you about the 20+ must-read books during pregnancy. And if you are thinking why you should read, then you’ll find some amazing benefits as well. So, keep reading!

Are you pregnant? Do you want to know some must-read books during pregnancy? Well, you are now in the right place. Pregnancy is one of the beautiful but challenging times of a woman. It is the time when her body and mind transform; it is a time for motherhood preparation.

This is a major critical period and calls for taking care of your body and mind. Reading through the books authored exclusively by mothers-to-be gives knowledge not only about pregnancy but also about the ways of sailing through the same effortlessly.

So, read below to find the must-read books during pregnancy that will help you have a healthy and happy experience.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Books

By reading pregnancy and childbirth books, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and insights into the journey of motherhood. So, here are some books to consider adding to your reading list: 

1. What to Expect When You’re Expecting

Expectant mothers have used this classic guide for over three decades. Heidi Murkoff has written comprehensive coverage of every aspect, month-by-month, with a reassuring and warm tone to cover each part of pregnancy. From preconception planning to delivery, it will help you through the incredible journey ahead with reassuring expert advice, explanations, and helpful tips.

2. The Birth Partner

Penny Simkin’s book is great reading for anybody who is supporting a woman through labor, be it a partner, friend, or family member. It is a comprehensive study of the labor process, pain control techniques, medical procedures, communication practice, and much more. It arms birth partners with knowledge and tools that would help them realize this.

3. Natural Hospital Birth 

If you are looking for a birth free of interventions in a hospital, then this book by Cynthia Gabriel is the perfect read. She is a doula whose main interest is using her experiences to help women get a normal delivery within the precincts of a hospital.

She teaches movement techniques, breathing, and positioning for comfort during labor. These were methods used at home birth that were merely adjusted for the hospital.

4. Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better

The next amazing book to read during pregnancy is “Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better.” This empowering guide will show expectant mothers how to advocate for their desired birth experience. Siobhan Miller is a midwife with many years of experience. She speaks to pregnant women about how they can plan for the birth of their baby.

She discusses some of the options available, including giving birth in water, waiting a bit before the umbilical cord is cut, and how frequently doctors can check on the baby during labor. By reviewing these choices, Siobhan helps women know what they can request during childbirth. This way, women can have a birth that feels right for them and matches their wishes.

5. The Modern Midwife’s Guide

This book is packed with loads of information on pregnancy and birth. However, that’s not all. It also provides so much that is needed after birth—a time that can easily be left in the dark. Marie provides years of midwifery experience infused with great reverence for the natural birth process, helping mothers from conception through the fourth trimester.

6. Give Birth Like a Feminist 

This refreshing and bold perspective examines birth through the lens of feminism and intersectionality. Milli Hill dives into topics like reproductive rights, racism in care, reclaiming autonomy, and more, aiming to dismantle patriarchal narratives around childbirth. It is an empowering read for the feminist mother.

7. Your Baby, Your Birth

In this book, De Cruz has a balanced view on birth settings: home births, birthing centers, and public and private hospitals. She showcases each option, explaining considerations to be made with them, not favoring any particular choice.

This kind of neutral search can help pregnant women realize their choices and select the appropriate birth setting which best fits their needs and personal preference. De Cruz makes it possible for women to take responsibility in making the right decision by giving them clear and unbiased information about their childbirth experience.

8. 50 Things to Do Before You Deliver

This book is a checklist-style guide tailored specifically to first-time moms in the final months of pregnancy. From practical preparations like packing a hospital bag to preparing emotionally for the baby’s arrival, it ensures you have your bases covered as you get closer to your due date.

Parenting Books to Read During Pregnancy 

By reading parenting books during pregnancy, you can gain valuable knowledge and insight into parenting. So, here are some of the must-read books during pregnancy to become a better parent:

9. Expecting Better

With an analytic but personable tone, economist Emily Oster heads deep into academic studies data to reconsider conventional advice and beliefs regarding pregnancy.

She talks about controversial topics like drinking alcohol and prenatal testing, amongst others, to give expectant mothers a more significant say in the choices they will make.

10. The Expectant Father

Another one of the must-read books during pregnancy is The Expectant Father. For over two decades, this book has served as an indispensable guide for fathers-to-be. 

Written by dads, it runs the gamut from supporting your partner through each trimester, preparing for labor, navigating relationship changes. Eventually, it helps father to step into the new role of fatherhood – all with a reassuring, dad-to-dad voice.

11. Bringing Up Bebe

American author Pamela Druckerman’s insightful memoir explores cultural differences in parenting philosophies between the U.S. and France. With a balanced perspective, she highlights how French concepts like fostering independence, setting firm boundaries, and sleep training can result in well-behaved yet thriving children.

12. Happy Mum, Happy Baby

In this book, TV personality Giovanna Fletcher offers a candid look into her own experiences as a new mother. With warmth and honesty, she shares the immense joys and struggles of early parenthood. Fletcher’s relatable voice provides solidarity and practical tips to help other mums embrace the life-changing transition.

13. The First Forty Days

This book by Heng Ou explores the ancient wisdom surrounding postpartum care from various cultures worldwide. It highlights the importance of the sacred “fourth trimester” – the critical first 40 days after birth when mothers need to rest, heal, and nourish.

Heng Ou guides nutrient-dense recipes, herbal remedies, self-care rituals, and more to support new mothers through this profound period of recovery and transformation.

Spiritual Books 

During pregnancy, it’s not just about taking care of your physical health but also nourishing your mind and soul. Reading sacred texts can be an incredibly enriching experience that fosters positivity, imparts wisdom, and creates a nurturing environment for your growing baby.

14. The Ramayana 

The Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic, is a beautiful choice for expectant mothers. This timeless tale of Lord Ram’s virtues, struggles, and triumphs is a treasure trove of life lessons. As you immerse yourself in the narrative, you’ll find guidance on cultivating qualities like courage, righteousness, and unwavering devotion. 

The Ramayana also beautifully illustrates the sacred bonds between mother and child, husband and wife, making it a profound read during this transformative phase.

To delve deeper into the virtues of Lord Ram and create a nurturing environment for your baby, consider watching the insightful video series created by the Krishna Coming Garbh Sanskar team. If reading proves challenging, listening to audio renditions of the Ramayana can be equally uplifting.

15. Garbh Geeta 

Another ancient text that holds immense value during pregnancy is the Garbh Geeta. This wisdom-filled scripture is designed to promote positivity, calmness, and a stress-free mindset – all essential for a healthy pregnancy. Science affirms that a mother’s emotional state profoundly impacts the baby’s development in the womb.

16. Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical masterpiece, can also be a powerful companion on your journey. As you explore the avatars of Lord Vishnu and their battles against negativity, you’ll find yourself cultivating inner strength and embracing positivity. Dedicating time each day to read or listen to a chapter of the Gita can help instill virtues and positive thought patterns in your growing child.

17. Shiv Puran

Lastly, the Shiv Puran is special for those seeking divine protection and blessings during pregnancy. According to ancient beliefs, worshiping Lord Shiva or immersing yourself in the Shiv Puran can invoke his blessings for a safe pregnancy, a smooth delivery, and a healthy, intelligent child.

Some Additional Books You Can Go For

Apart from all the above, here are some more books that you can consider reading during your pregnancy journey:

• Oh, Baby, The Places You’ll Go! by Tish Rabe/Dr. Seuss
• I Wish For You by David Wax 
• Ladybird Favorite Nursery Rhymes
• Welcome To Your World by Smriti Prasadam-Halls
• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
• The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
• Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen
• The Day You Began by Jacqueline Woodson
• The Belly Sticker Book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
• There’s a House Inside My Mummy by Giles Andreae
• The Motherly Guide to Becoming Mama by Diana Spalding

So, these were some must-read books during pregnancy. However, if you are thinking what difference they can  make, then let me tell you that reading during pregnancy has numerous benefits. 

Why Read Books During Pregnancy? Top 3 Reasons 

Bringing reading into pregnancy can make for a really enriching experience with much more to give than what is on the pages of a book. Whether you’re becoming a first-time parent or adding to your family, here are three compelling reasons to consider reading a cherished ritual at this special time:

1. Nurturing an Early Bond

Reading to an unborn baby is such an intimate process that it binds you from within, even before they come into the world. While you are sharing stories, your voice is familiar and soothing. This paves the way for a strong emotional bonding process.

This early bonding experience doesn’t just grow a feeling of security in your little one’s brain but also gives the parent a sense of connection to this wonderful life growing inside you.

2. A Soothing Embrace

It could even be soothing for your baby in utero with the gentle cadence of your voice as you read. With them getting accustomed to the familiar vibrations and rhythms, your little one can feel calm and at peace with that sound.

This can lower stress levels and increase well-being in general, paving the way for a much more peaceful pregnancy for both you and your baby.

3. Stimulating Early Brain Development

Do you know that your baby’s ears are developed enough to hear by the third trimester? While reading to your unborn child won’t necessarily make them a genius, it can indeed provide valuable stimulation for their rapidly developing brain. Research suggests that early exposure to language can shape neural pathways, enhancing cognitive abilities such as vocabulary, memory, and reasoning skills. 

By introducing your baby to the rich tapestry of words and stories, you’re creating an environment that supports their cognitive growth from the very beginning.

Beyond these tangible benefits, reading during pregnancy can be a cherished ritual that fosters a love for books and storytelling. As you turn the pages, you’re not only nurturing your child’s development but also cultivating a lifelong appreciation for the magic of literature. 

Embrace this beautiful journey, one word at a time, and create lasting memories that will forever be woven into the fabric of your family’s story.

FAQs