I'm a great fan of Dummies books--but not this one.

There are too many holes in the book: the authors only give superficial treatment to such important issues as preconception health, work-related issues (e.g. how to tell your boss you're pregnant), the implications of taking various types of drugs during pregnancy, and the role that doulas and midwives can play in prenatal care and labor support. Worst of all, the chapter on pregnancy loss failed to address the important physical and psychological issues involved: how to cope with your grief, the physical aftermath of pregnancy loss, when it's safe to start trying to conceive again, and how to cope with the stress of a subsequent pregnancy.

The tone was also pretty heavy--even a little dry--as compared to your average Dummies book. I was hoping for a book with a bit more personality.

If you're looking for a comprehensive pregnancy book that's strong on content, pick up The Unofficial Guide to Having A Baby by John Sussman and Ann Douglas. If you're looking for a book with lots of style, pick up The Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy. Unfortunately, this book doesn't have much to offer in terms of content or style.

It's nice to see a pregnancy book that doesn't take itself too seriously. These authors aren't afraid to have a little fun along the way. You won't want this to be your only pregnancy book, since it tends to gloss over a lot of important issues, but it makes a good read for expectant parents who aren't too proud to admit that they don't have a clue about what pregnancy is all about. If you buy the Dummies guide to this, that, and the next thing, you'll want to add this book to your collection, too.

My only criticism is that the book isn't likely to score too many points with Dads. They're given their own five page chapter that tends to spoonfeed and condescend to them ("Remember that after you arrive on the labor floor, all attention is focused on Mom, not you."), but other than that they're pretty much ignored.

I purchased or was given three pregnancy books and this was by far the best. The others were written by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (my husband is an OB/GYN) and What to Expect . . . I did not like the organization or content of What to Expect . . . and the ACOG book was a little skimpy on the practical questions I had. Pregnancy for Dummies was funny and answered all my questions with medically appropriate advice, according to my husband whose medical opinion I highly respect. It is light-hearted at times, which I liked a lot, but still provided serious and complete advice - not for those without a sense of humor though! All in all, a very good choice, especially for first time mothers.