The Pregnancy Encyclopedia

Starred review from November 15, 2016

After providing a 40-week time line identifying the main phases of pregnancy (conception, labor, and delivery), fertility consultant and OB/GYN Amato and obstetrician Biswas move into a week-by-week summation of what happens inside the mother's body, the fetus's progression (length, weight, activity), and maternal issues (most commonly experienced symptoms, physical and emotional changes) and present an activity checklist (arrange prenatal care, baby shopping). Chapters begin with introductions consisting of several paragraphs followed by often-asked questions. Aside from the occasional typographical error, this well-written and beautifully illustrated book covers everything one could possibly want to know about pregnancy, from conception through the postpartum period: nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, emotional and physical changes, birth plans, maternal and birth complications, labor and delivery, special needs, and miscarriages. Color and black-and-white illustrations include photos, detailed drawings, charts, and graphs. Sidebars contain tidbits (for instance, seven in ten women experience nausea and/or vomiting). Although this is a British publication, American English appears throughout. Medical terms can be found in the glossary. Readers will appreciate the additional online resources with current URLs. A thorough index pulls together access to specific information. VERDICT This affordable and valuable resource offers complete material in a simple, easily understood format that will appeal to a variety of readers.--Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 15, 2016
Requests for information about pregnancy and childbirth are common in public and consumer-health libraries. This new encyclopedia from DK provides detailed coverage of all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and early infant care. Using a Q&A format, the book covers preconception, conception, nutrition and exercise, prenatal care, body changes during pregnancy, fetal development, practical hints to prepare for the baby's arrival, labor and delivery, postpartum care, and special situations. The color-coded chapters are arranged thematically and are profusely illustrated. They cover topics such as in-vitro fertilization, pregnancy loss, and premature and special-needs babies as well as practical considerations: financial planning, child-care providers, advice about travel during pregnancy, and techniques for bottle- and breast-feeding. The authors are British physicians who worked with an American consultant to make sure that the book would be accessible for readers in the U.S. With advice about maternity clothes, baby-care accessories and furniture, and which medications are safe for pregnant and lactating women, this book will be a very useful resource. It has a detailed index and a glossary to help readers find what they need. This is an excellent addition to public and consumer-health library collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)