Customer Reviews

From Conception to Birth: A Life Unfolds

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Yesterday I was browsing in Barnes & Noble and picked up this book. I'm into literature and not big on science but the cover was intriguing so I opened it. Thirty minutes later (of being entranced) I finally closed it, and went home to go online to buy it at a cheaper price on Amazon[.com] (sorry, B&N!) Then I read these customer reviews. I have to say, I take issue with some of the things they wrote. The book clearly stated the images are digital creations from actual physiological data, thus they are as real and accurate as a film photograph. And how could such images ever be considered "propaganda"? Only in this country with our backward "moral" obsessions could innocent scientific images of how we human beings develop from the moment of conception be accused of politics. It seems to me this book is pure science mixed with the miraculous beauty of our biological creation. It also strikes me that such a book with such images is long overdue, in view of our incredible leaps in technology.... Speaking of technological leaps, I'm certain the Neilsen book he cites was an important book for its time; but why would a "Ph.D. scientist" want to deny people such new, and exciting, and beautiful, technological images of the life miracle that is us? That's like wanting Hollywood to use special effects techniques from the 1960's to make a movie in 2002. And he accuses the authors of not being "experts in fetal development"; I had to laugh: obviously the authors are experts in fetal development, very much so, as a thirty-minute perusal like the one I did of the book will prove.) One more thing: I'm a layman's layman, and admittedly not big on science; but I remember - and I still have it - Carl Sagan's book COSMOS as fascinating, because it taught a layman moron like me about space and the cosmos. Well, this book teaches a layman moron like me, in a like manner, about how I grew in my mother's womb until my moment of birth. I'm not a "Ph.D. scientist", but I think this makes this book of particular value.

I had the opportunity to look through the book and it is incredible! The pictures are the best and most clear I've ever seen. The detail left me in awe. Being six weeks pregnant myself, I decided I would love to have this book so I can look through and see how my baby is growing every day and/or week. They certainly did a great job with this book. Well done!

I was given this book as a gift after I found out I was pregnant. The pictures were awesome and the information very useful. My only disapointment is that 3/4 of the book is dedicated to the first 12 weeks.(I didn't receive it until I was 14 weeks) It is still amazing to see what my baby looked like as it was developing, but I wish the later months were more in depth.

This book is beautiful. I was so and still am amazed with the graphic images throughout. What a wonderful book to share with others. I can't wait until my son is old enough to fully understand the miracle of life! This is great to have and would make a terrific gift for that mother-to-be or anyone who appreciates such wonder.

From Birth to Conception will satiate anyone with a visual mind as to the formation of a baby in the womb! As a medical student I can appreciate the detail and 3-dimensional insight into structural relationships within the body that cross-sectional analysis (used to make the images) affords. Tsiaras and his cast of anatomical illustrators make use of innumerable cross-sections, bringing about the most accurate depictions of the embryo. Combine that with the most advanced technologies in imaging and the outcomes are stunning. The book is great for anyone interested in embryonic development;a very understandable read as well.

As an older woman who finally, after much medical intervention, got pregnant naturally. I am awed by the miracle of my pregnancy and enthralled by the knowledge I've gained about my own biology. I purchased this book and it is the most beautiful and educational work I've ever seen on the subject. It is a celebration of the miracle of pregnancy and birth that's not just a bunch of romanticised images; it boldly shares the thrilling detail of the science of this miracle. I recommend it to every pregnant or hoping to be pregnant woman and all of the men in their lives as well!!

Pregnant couples will love this book, there are sections of the book that show exactly how big the baby is and what it looks like at different stages of development. I found myself referring to this book almost every day while I was pregnant. This is an excellent book to share with children. I also found the text fascinating. This book is not as in-depth as the book "A Child is Born", which is the classic "from-conception-to-birth" book. Though I prefer this book for it's format and because it is less graphic. I would recommend this book for anyone curious about the birth process and definately for anyone expecting a child.

The Time Magazine article can't begin to prepare you for how amazing this book is. I read a story in USA Today that explained how he did it -- this technology is light years beyond the Lennart book. That book is nice -- we got it when we were expecting our first child -- but it cannot compare with the wonder and beauty of this book. You feel a sense of awe as you see a baby going from a single cell to a fully-formed human being. I highly recommend this as a gift for any woman expecting a baby, or anyone fascinated by the processes of life.

I am reviewing from a "hands on" opinion. I have gone through this process four times and I am currently beginning the journey of bringing a 5th child into the world.

I think this book is beautiful. I first saw it on Oprah, where everyone was raving about it. I had to go to the book store and take a peek. The pictures are beautiful. The book is somewhat similar to A Child Is Born, but each book offers its own unique stand point.

Since my first encounter with this book, I have seen it in OB/GYN waiting rooms. I even saw a copy in our hospital waiting room. I have read various good reviews. (even from PHD doctors) Regardless of the rave from doctors and the media, I found it to be quite impressive on my own. Life is one of the most amazing things. To see it visually, is just a marvel. I am so happy to see such detailed books on this beautiful process. I can't believe all that stuff goes on inside of me!!!

It's worth a look!

Beautiful pictures! Complete overview of the development of the embryo (up to 12wks) from their size to physical strutures. But limited discussion of the size and development of the fetus (12wks to term.)