What to Expect When You’re Expecting

What to Expect When You’re Expecting – Heidi Murkoff

First published in the 1980s and updated many times since, What to Expect When You’re Expecting has become one of the best-known pregnancy guides in the world, used by millions of expectant parents. Created by Heidi Murkoff, it offers clear, reassuring answers to the many questions that arise during pregnancy.

The book follows pregnancy month by month, describing how the baby is developing, what physical and emotional changes the expectant mother might experience, and what to expect at prenatal checkups. Its question-and-answer format addresses common concerns, such as morning sickness, fatigue, weight gain, back pain, sleep problems, cravings, worries about the baby’s health, and whether particular activities, foods or medications are safe.

Other chapters cover planning for pregnancy, eating well, exercising safely, working while pregnant, traveling, prenatal tests, and complications that can arise during pregnancy and how they are managed. The book explains labor and delivery in detail, including signs of labor, pain relief options, vaginal and cesarean births, and the first moments after birth, as well as postpartum recovery for the mother. It also includes information for partners on how to support the pregnant person and prepare for parenthood.

Written in a warm, friendly and often humorous tone, the book aims to ease anxiety and help parents feel informed and confident.

What to Expect When You’re Expecting is a valuable resource for expectant parents. It is not a substitute for personal medical care, and recommendations vary by edition and may have changed since this edition was published.