The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

~ M.D., Michele Isaacs Gliksman (Author), (Author) "When you miss your period and the stick turns blue your little two-week-old embryo already has the beginnings of a heart and a brain..." (more)
Key Phrases: umbilical cord blood banking, pregnancy belly, glucose screening test, Hey Mom, Baby Talk, Daddy Alert (more...)

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 (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #419,285 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 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!!