In the beginning : conception. Prep work ; Data-driven conception ; The two-week wait -- The first trimester. The vices : caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco ; Miscarriage fears ; Beware of deli meats! ; Nausea and my mother-in-law ; Prenatal screening and testing ; The surprising perils of gardening -- The second trimester. Eating for two? You wish ; Pink and blue ; Working out and resting up ; Drug safety -- The third trimester. Premature birth (and the dangers of bed rest) ; High-risk pregnancy ; I'm going to be pregnant forever, right? ; Labor induction -- Labor and delivery. The labor numbers ; To epidural or not to epidural? ; Beyond pain relief ; The aftermath ; Home birth: progressive or regressive? And who cleans the tub?
Summary:
Pregnancy--unquestionably one of the most profound, meaningful experiences of adulthood--can reduce otherwise intelligent women to, well, babies. We're told to avoid cold cuts, sushi, alcohol, and coffee, but aren't told why. Rules for prenatal testing are hard and fast--and unexplained. Are all of these recommendations right for every mom-to-be? Here, the author shows that pregnancy rules are often misguided and sometimes flat-out wrong. Pregnant women face an endless stream of decisions, from the casual to the frightening. Expecting Better presents the hard facts and real-world advice you won't get at the doctor's office or in the existing literature.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.