Today’s review is going to be a little different than my usual book reviews – I’m going to be looking at Heidi Murkoff’s legendary reference book What To Expect When You’re Expecting.

First of all, yes, this is how I’m announcing on my blog that Baby Wilde is officially on the way! I’m 13 weeks pregnant today and anxiously awaiting the results of my NIPT test to see whether it’s a boy or a girl. Jakob and I are so excited to meet our little one this Christmas! As first-time parents, there is also a lot of anxiety surrounding pregnancy and parenthood that we’re experiencing for the first time.

To help remedy that, my mom sent us a copy of What To Expect When You’re Expecting. This is the same exact reference book that she herself used back in the 90s, although a much more modern edition of it. This book has been trusted by parents for decades and is always being updated to include the latest information on maternity concerns. 

One cool minor detail that I love about this book is the cover (not that I’m judging a book by its cover). There’s always been a picture (usually illustrated) of a pregnant woman on the front and a baby on the back. In this latest edition, these have been replaced with photos of sentimental value – the expectant mother on the front is Murkoff’s own daughter, the same baby who once inspired Murkoff to write the guide in the first place! Showing her now all grown and pregnant herself is a beautiful full circle moment that attests to the multigenerational success of the book. On the back cover is a photo of Murkoff’s grandbaby. These personal touches were so cute to include, in my opinion.

While it is ultimately a reference guide, there is a lot of interesting information included for all kinds of pregnancy related concerns, covering everything from conception to illness to miscarriage to birth. I also like how inclusive this latest edition is, including information geared especially towards mothers of different backgrounds in terms of race and sexual orientation. It also keeps in mind all different kinds of pregnancies, from surprise babies to planned, as well as IVF and surrogacy. 

If you’re looking for a guide to pregnancy that truly covers every possible base, this is the book to buy for yourself or any loved one experiencing pregnancy for the first time!