Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide [Paperback]

John R. Sussman (Author), B. Blake Levitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1989

The most authoritative, comprehensive guide to the critically important concern of reducing the risks to one's baby before conception is sure to become a classic in the field of preventive medicine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (June 1, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553347187
• ISBN-13: 978-0553347180
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 1 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #627,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Outdated, Needs Update/Revision, January 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide (Paperback)

Although the underlying concept of this book is good, I found several problems with it which, I believe, necessitates a major revision.

First: The publication date of this book is **** 1989; TEN years ago. **** Science progresses very quickly and there have been many new studies, discoveries, and issues raised (*especially* in the area of prepregnancy and pregnancy) which the book undoubtedly does not cover at all, does not cover enough, or may simply have incorrect information on. Due to the publication date of the book, I found myself very suspicious about certain information in the book, especially when the author makes a statement such as "not much is known," or "studies are still needed." I also feel suspicious when I read the statement that MRI is a "new and still experimental medical procedure." Ten years ago, MRIs * were * new and experimental-10 years ago I sat in one for two hours to have 4 pictures of my hand taken-now, MRI is well-established and takes considerably less time. No doubt, more research on its uses and effects has been done. In another example, the book mentions folic acid somewhat, but recent studies have put a brighter spotlight on this vitamin and new information has come out that may benefit us.

Second: The book, in my opinion, spends too much time focusing on risk factors that are specific to certain ethnic groups, people with certain diseases, people with past pregnancy problems, and other issues that are not applicable to everyone. Pages 149-369 are just that, and I found myself simply skipping most of the pages because I am not from certain ethnic groups and I do not have pre-existing diseases, I have not been pregnant before, I am not over 35, and I am not particularly at risk for particular (ethnic-specific) genetic diseases. I was disappointed that I paid for such a large book, most of which I ended up skipping.

I do not deny that these issues are important, however, I would suggest that the book be revised to include, in addition to updated information, more explanation of the areas that are common to * everyone * in order to make the book more useful to everyone.

For this, specifically, I thought that the sections dealing with toxins and medications were not complete enough, and that they could be expanded, as I know that exposure to toxins and the effects of medication are my MAJOR concerns when it comes to pregnancy. The section dealing with toxins did not list HOUSEHOLD toxins, rather it listed toxins in the workplace. One occupation in the table was titled "homemakers and domestic workers" and vaguely listed the toxins as "detergents, soaps, hydrocarbons, solvents, alkalies, bleaches, formaldehyde." I would like to see a list of brand names of common household products (cleaners, detergents, soaps, fabric softeners, air fresheners, cooking sprays, etc.), what chemicals they contain, and what the risk factors are, similar to the list of prescription and OTC drugs. I would like to know what I should and should not be using in my house, and perhaps a list of toxin-free products could be included.

The list of OTC drugs should also be updated to delete medicines no longer on the market, those with changed names, changed formulae, and to include drugs that have been introduced in the past ten years. The same applies for the list of prescription drugs, especially to include the wide variety of birth control pills now available.

Therefore, if the authors read this, I want to suggest that this book DESPERATELY NEEDS an updated edition to accomplish what I outlined above, as well as to correct some spelling and grammatical mistakes I encountered in the first few chapters.

I did appreciate the list of questions to ask yourself about preferences for an obstetrician, and the list of questions to ask the doctor and the prepregnancy checklist were both particularly helpful.

For the reader, I would suggest a more updated book on the subject, if it exists, until the authors can revise and update this book. If there is no other such book, then this is an excellent start.

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not for everyone......, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide (Paperback)

I agree with the customer review by [e-mail]. I felt alot of the info. contained in the book was not only alarmist but directed to a certain sector of the population....mostly woman with certain risk factors. I found myself skipping most of the book or skimming through chapters and basically just read the chapters on exercise and nutrition. I found the book to be a bit paranoid and definitely NOT what I thought I was buying. While there is no doubt that the book gives thorough treatment to the subject at hand, I suggest that if you are below 30 and have no significant risk factors or genetics problems, you find a more general and updated prepregnancy guide.

66 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Overall, a very good and informative book about prepregnancy, April 24, 2001

By 

"heart4esl" (Tyler, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide (Paperback)

This was the first book I bought about prepregnancy. Sussman was highly recommended and I bought this book first. I read each and every page. I am not yet pregnant, this is my first child, and I am not 30 yet -- but I appreciated the parts on high-risk pregnancies. I like to know what may happen just to prepare myself. My husband and I both feel that we are prepared for anything from a "perfect textbook" pregnancy and delivery to complete bedrest and quitting work -- and this book helped us talk about ideas and situations presented in the book.

I especially enjoyed the sections on over the counter and prescription medications, workplace toxins, and why some (everyday) things are not good for your baby.

I agree that some of the content is outdated -- however there are still many good parts!

My favorite part overall is the section with the check lists. I am very organized and keep detailed lists of things to do/ask about/learn more about/read, etc. I would suggest this book to anyone who is planning to become pregnant. I DON'T suggest ANY ONE BOOK exclusively. I believe that you will need several books to get the best picture of what is happening to and in your body. I suggest "What to Expect...", "Unofficial Guide..." and (my personal favorite right now) "Pregnancy Journal...".