Customer Reviews

Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

I agree with the customer review by taqwaa@hotmail.com. 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.

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...".

I bought this book about a year ago when I first decided I was ready for kids. Since then I have discovered that I'm not going to get pregnant as easily as I thought or hoped. This book has been wonderful for me because I am over 30 and I will need a little medical intervention to get pregnant. It described much of what I am going through now with my Doctor to get pregnant.

A younger friend of mine thought the book was a bit "alarmist". However, I appreciated the sections on "What could happen". It answered a lot of questions that I have had about Down's Syndrome, Multuiples, and so on... I think it is extremely important to be educated on all the possibilities before you venture into something as important and life changing as having a baby.

I loved the section on prescription and over the counter drug interactions, but I did wish it was a little more comprehensive. For example, they listed almost every cough & cold medicine known to man, but did not mention nasal sprays like Afrin.

The only true draw back to this book is it's age. It was written in 1989 and I'm certain there have been many advances and changes in the field in the past decade.

All in all, it is a wonderful, mature reference. My conversations with my Doctor about my fertility problems would have been awful and confusing and frightning had I not read this book.

While highly informative as far as it goes, this book is ten years old (almost antique, for a medical book) and needs to be revised and updated.

If you are a healthy woman, with no family history of genetic defects, and work in a non-toxic environment, this book is not for you. Almost the entire book is dedicated to risks to your unborn child rgarding exposure to certain toxins, illnesses, and genetic disorders. I only found four sections (prescriptions and toxins to stay away from, I had mild dysplasia and underwent crysosurgery - but there was only one paragraph about that - and the prepregnancy checklist at the end) that were helpful in this book, and these were very outdated (the book was published in 1989 so the research was done prior to that). It actually warns pregnant woman not to frech kiss those who might be infected with AIDS for fear of contracting it themselves. Throughout the entire book I had to keep telling myself that I am healthy 23 year woman with no family history of genetic disorders and I work in an office. This book kinda scared me!

While most see the book as alarming--it does give you the facts about what is entailed in either a good or bad pregnancy. In reading through this, I did skip thru some lengthy sections regarding certain genetic related diseases, but at least it gave you all the info from A-Z.

I say it is very useful, and only alarming if you think everything in this book could apply to you. I say the better educated you are on the topic of PrePregnancy, Conception and Pregnancy, the better off you and your newborn will be. Don't hesitate to get this book, it may help you understand your doctor's visits a little better.

Now I know what to expect from all stages of trying to conceive thru to 9 months of pregnancy--and won't feel dumbfounded by my doctor and his medical jargon. I come away feeling more educated on the topic and am definitely keeping this book as a reference guide. I plan on trying to conceive in the next 6 months. I never knew you *should* start prenatal care as early as 3 months prior to conception. And my husband is learning just how involved he should be, more than he thought. I like reading certain sections aloud to him and discussing the importance of most the topics this book covers.

There is a lot of useful information to be had in this handy book. It is more of a reference for the clinical aspects of things that affect conceiving and pregnancy. Things a fully illustrated book with colorful pictures can't teach.

I thought the book was informative at times, but the majority of topics were about things that would make you infertile, could go wrong in pregnancy, etc., that it ended up stressing me out. There are much better books out there. I would pass on this one.

I am not yet pregnant, but after reading this book, I feel that I am that much more prepared for that day. This book provides the reader with lots of information regarding pregnancy and offers you lots of questions to consider as part of your pre-pregnancy planning. After reading this book, I have definitely made some decisions for my future pregnancy, such as the type of physician I will use and the type of delivery that I want to have. This book is well worth the price. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, this book is a good place to start to gather information. It provides you with a variety of things to consider before you become pregnant.

There is not a whole lot of information out there that addresses pre-pregnancy. This book offers detailed information about medications, medical history, fertility, etc in an easy-to-read format. I was most prepared for my pre-conception OB/GYN appointment, knowing the specific questions to ask and even brought the book with me, as it lists the recommended medical tests to have done. After reading the book, I feel much more informed and am ready for the next step.