Pregnancy For Dummies

Congratulations! If you’re already pregnant, you’re about to embark upon one of the most exciting adventures of your life. The next year or so is going to be filled with tremendous changes and – hopefully – unbelievable happiness. If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, you’re probably excited at the prospect and a little nervous at the same time.

Pregnancy For Dummies, 2nd Edition, gives you the information you’re looking for if you are considering pregnancy, planning to have a baby, or already pregnant. This guide is also for you if

• You are the partner of the mother-to-be.
• You know and love someone who is or plans to be pregnant.
• You want to find out more about pregnancy but have no interest in becoming an expert on the topic.

Is it okay to dye your hair when you are pregnant? How about eating sushi? Pregnancy should be a joy, not a worry. Pregnancy For Dummies, 2nd Edition, addresses commonly asked questions; clears up myths; and offers solid advice from real, medically based data. Take a look at just some of the reassuring and up-to-date information that can help you through your pregnancy:

• Advice on nutrition and staying fit and active during your pregnancy
• A trimester-by-trimester look at your baby's development. Find out what's normal – and what's not.
• New findings about the treatment of preterm labor and Down syndrome screening; available options for detecting various problems
• Discussions on Botox and smallpox
• What to expect during labor and delivery
• Recovering at home; postpartum depression
• The latest news on prenatal testing, premature and multiple births, anesthesia and cesarean deliveries
• Feeding the baby (breast or not?)
• When the unexpected happens: Recurrent miscarriages, late-pregnancy loss, fetal abnormalities

Authors Joanne Stone, M.D., and Keith Eddleman, M.D., are practicing obstetricians who are also board certified in the sub-specialty of maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk pregnancies). They also teach residents, medical students, and other doctors about pregnancy and prenatal care. Author Mary Murray is a writer and editor who specializes in medicine and science journalism. She is also the mother of twins.