The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth, 2E [Paperback]

M.D., Michele Isaacs Gliksman (Author), Theresa Foy DiGeronimo (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: July 6, 2004

This easy-to-use month-to-month guide explains everything one needs to know to be an active participant in baby's development and birth. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth, Second Edition, features sound advice on how to handle physical and emotional changes; idiot-proof steps for decorating a nursery; and down-to-earth advice on staying healthy.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

You're no idiot, of course. You know that being pregnant isn't going to be easy, and having a baby is going to be even harder. But when it comes to facing the discomfort, pain, and body changes that lie ahead for you in the next nine months, you feel like crying like a baby. Don't give yourself a pacifier just yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth tells you everything you need to know to be an active participant in the development and birth of your baby. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get: --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Michele Isaacs Gliksman, M.D., is a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist and a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She received her training at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan and is currently in a private group practice affiliated with the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Theresa Foy DiGeronimo has collaborated on over 30 nonfiction books and specializes in parenting and medical topics. She is an adjunct professor at William Patterson University in New Jersey, where she teaches undergraduate classes in writing and editing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 2 edition (July 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592572170
• ISBN-13: 978-1592572175
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,552,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars You're not an idiot, but the editor of this book might be., February 3, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth (Paperback)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth, unfortunately, is a poorly-written and edited book. Although the information contained within is crucial, the author's writing skills need work. The text is often confusing and occasionally misleading. Occasionally, statements in the main pragraphs are contradictory to the factoid windows peppered on the same page. Likewise, important information found in the factoids are often missing from the main text. Sentences are often repeated in the same paragraph. Grammar is poor - for example, 'You're' and 'Your' are often mis-used. Frustratingly, a large number of grammar errors seem to have been addressed too hastily by the editor, which just makes matters worse.

While the book contains a wealth of useful information, it is a chore to read. Pregnancy is an important and busy time - no point wasting any trying to decipher poorly-written paragraphs.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars too condescending, February 25, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth (Paperback)

OK - so its called the Idiots Guide, but who knew they would literally write it for the simpleminded? But before I go on to detail my problems with this book, I will say, the sections where they go week by week, detailing whats happening with the developing baby are good - nice illustrations and lists of development milestones. The section telling you what to expect at the doctors is good.
However - the diet and nutrition section - uugh! Here's an interesting "fact" - if you can cut something in half, it counts as two portions" huh? Or "did you know you can buy measuring cups in kitchen stores" - no, really? Then they also resort to the usual scare tactics - telling you that babies have been born "addicted to caffiene" - "it's true" and basically come up with a "reason" for cutting out practically all drinks but water. There's lots more but I think I've made my point.
I really dislike books that treat pregnancy as an illness. While expectant mothers should be aware of the new restrictions they face, most healthy people need make only relatively minor modifications during pregnancy, and don't need the added stress of worrying if they feel like a diet soda on occasion.
For a more relaxed view, try Vicki Iovines book, the Girlfriends Guide.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent down to earth advice, August 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth (Paperback)

Dr. Gliksman knows her stuff. This book offers advice in an easy to understand manner. The format of the book is great to find answers to questions. I recommend this book to anyone who is or will be pregnant in the future!!