This completely revised edition of the beloved international classic is now entirely in color, with historic, never-before-seen photos in every chapter and an entirely new text.
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Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In this latest edition of a classic originally published almost 40 years ago, photographer Nilsson and obstetrician Hamberger explore the miracle of birth, from attraction between a man and a woman to fertilization, pregnancy, labor and delivery; they also discuss infertility and developments in IVF and other treatments. Over 350 new photographs have been added to the fourth edition, including in utero pictures captured with endoscopy and three-dimensional ultrasound technology. Nilsson zooms in on sperm racing towards the egg, the brand-new zygote, the embryo clinging to the lining of the uterus, a tadpole-like fetus and the remarkably developed ear of a 18-week old fetus, among other moments in the process of human reproduction. With Hamberger's updated text on guidance for new parents, progress in fertility treatments, genetics and pregnancy health, the volume should continue to be a vivid reference for the whole family.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From School Library Journal
YA-- Completely revised, this book features an all new text and almost all new full-color photos. However, it is not the end-all for books dealing with childbirth. The subject of Chorionic Villus Sampling or CVS (a pregnancy test for damaged chromosomes such as Down's, etc.) is depicted here as similar to amniocentesis, inserting the needle into the abdomen to withdraw a villi from the placenta. Frequently in the U. S. the procedure is performed using a catheter inserted through the cervix. Also, the book does not discuss the increased risk of CVS over amniocentesis. However, the breathtaking photos and comprehensive text make it a must for all libraries.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
By Jillybean
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is fantastic! The images are spectacular, it reads like a well-written magazine article, and it provides enough information to really understand what's going on, without feeling like a textbook. It has a solid backing in scientific and practical information, and I recommend it to everyone - just know what you're getting before you buy:
1. This is a wonderful book about the human body. If you think the human body is offensive, do not buy this book. Yes, it has pictures of women giving birth. Yes, they're naked. If this offends you, I question your need for this book in the first place, but you might be happier with Watch Me Grow, which is sweet and informative, without subjecting you to the harsh reality of the human form. It would be quite a sacrifice in image quality, though. 3D ultrasound just doesn't compare to real optical photos.
2. This was not written for your 5-year-old. This book assumes that its audience already knows where babies come from. This is a fantastic book that the whole family can enjoy together, but you may not want to leave the younger ones alone with it or you'll have some serious explaining to do. The more adult sections might help with "the talk" with your teen, but if your child believes a smiling stork will fly by and drop off a new sibling, keep this book in the top cabinet with the cleaning solvents.
3. Some of the photos are old. This book has been in print for a long time. Lennart Nilsson has been doing his work for even longer. I was surprised at how many new images there were, but don't be alarmed when you see a few classics as well. No need for reservations - they are some of the most amazing.
4. You are not supporting abortion by buying this book (as implied by some 1-star reviews). It is not a gallery of dead babies, it is a gallery of life in all its glory. On pg 326 it is explicitly stated that there are "no photographs of embryos or fetuses aborted by medical or surgical means." Some of the photos are indeed from miscarriages. Of course miscarriages are very sad, but what better way to honor these poor undeveloped individuals than to immortalize them in such a spectacular setting? In a way, these unfortunate souls accomplished more benefit to society in their few weeks of life than some do in many decades.
If these five concepts do not bother you, you will fall in love with this book. It is everything a pregnancy book should be. It's a great buy not only for expectant parents, but for anyone who has ever been a fetus. Buy with confidence.
1. This is a wonderful book about the human body. If you think the human body is offensive, do not buy this book. Yes, it has pictures of women giving birth. Yes, they're naked. If this offends you, I question your need for this book in the first place, but you might be happier with Watch Me Grow, which is sweet and informative, without subjecting you to the harsh reality of the human form. It would be quite a sacrifice in image quality, though. 3D ultrasound just doesn't compare to real optical photos.
2. This was not written for your 5-year-old. This book assumes that its audience already knows where babies come from. This is a fantastic book that the whole family can enjoy together, but you may not want to leave the younger ones alone with it or you'll have some serious explaining to do. The more adult sections might help with "the talk" with your teen, but if your child believes a smiling stork will fly by and drop off a new sibling, keep this book in the top cabinet with the cleaning solvents.
3. Some of the photos are old. This book has been in print for a long time. Lennart Nilsson has been doing his work for even longer. I was surprised at how many new images there were, but don't be alarmed when you see a few classics as well. No need for reservations - they are some of the most amazing.
4. You are not supporting abortion by buying this book (as implied by some 1-star reviews). It is not a gallery of dead babies, it is a gallery of life in all its glory. On pg 326 it is explicitly stated that there are "no photographs of embryos or fetuses aborted by medical or surgical means." Some of the photos are indeed from miscarriages. Of course miscarriages are very sad, but what better way to honor these poor undeveloped individuals than to immortalize them in such a spectacular setting? In a way, these unfortunate souls accomplished more benefit to society in their few weeks of life than some do in many decades.
If these five concepts do not bother you, you will fall in love with this book. It is everything a pregnancy book should be. It's a great buy not only for expectant parents, but for anyone who has ever been a fetus. Buy with confidence.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The pictures are truly mindblowing but a lot of the information is out of date and inaccurate. I would not use this book as a source for maternity information.
On a more minor note it also splits the pregnancy up into strange time periods, sometimes there are several weeks between one update and the next, which is weird for such a picture heavy text.
That said the pictures are great and worth the price. (Even if they are mostly the same ones from the 1970s Nilsson Life Magazine spread.) If you want a good resource when expecting, this is not it. The parts with the out of date info are not only irritating but occasionally dangerous and contradict what is written in several other books Dr. Sears books are a very good choice comprehensive and non-judgmental and, some say, not as scary as What to Expect.
On a more minor note it also splits the pregnancy up into strange time periods, sometimes there are several weeks between one update and the next, which is weird for such a picture heavy text.
That said the pictures are great and worth the price. (Even if they are mostly the same ones from the 1970s Nilsson Life Magazine spread.) If you want a good resource when expecting, this is not it. The parts with the out of date info are not only irritating but occasionally dangerous and contradict what is written in several other books Dr. Sears books are a very good choice comprehensive and non-judgmental and, some say, not as scary as What to Expect.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By E. Angelos
Format:Hardcover
This is a wonderful book! The photographs are absolutely amazing. My husband is amazed to see what is happening inside of me so early in my pregnancy. I would highly recommend this book!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
I bought this book for my daughter who is 4 months pregnant and both she and my son-in-law love the book. Read more
Published 18 days ago by Louise Webster
5.0 out of 5 stars
amazing photos
as an avid birth researcher i bought this for the pictures which are incredible! a did infact learn some new things but its not too long of a book. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jade Stanley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best book ever!
I have an older version and now a newer version of this book. The pictures are phenomenal and I love giving it as a gift to new mothers-to-be!
Published 2 months ago by Christie Balcom
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read
I loved reading through this. I got to see how my daughter was changing as she developed. And like other readers have said there are naked people in this book. Read more
Published 3 months ago by angela_mma_21
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have for the expecting family
This book has captured the beauty and miraculious development of life. Any new mom and dad can truly appreciate this.
Published 3 months ago by Ann M. Haack
5.0 out of 5 stars
AMAZING photos!
Just amazing to see the "proof" of the miracle of life! Amazing to think that it's been only 50 years, but already 50 years that the technology has been available to us to see... Read more
Published 4 months ago by meredith l oudt dc
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pictures could be updated overall good
This is an awesome book, so thorough though the pictures could be updated from the 70s and not be so cheesy. Otherwise great learning tool.
Published 4 months ago by lewis
3.0 out of 5 stars
It's okay
The book came in the condition as described and arrived within the allotted shipping time. The book itself is just ok. It wasn't what I expected. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Angela M. Berry
5.0 out of 5 stars
awesome
i love this book so much the pics are great and well made the info is awesome and would buy it again
Published 4 months ago by Kahlan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love the book, wanted to give as a gift to my daughter, I referenced...
Unfortunately, the book I received was used, it even had a personal comment to the person it was obviously gifted to at one point. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Donna
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