What to read when you're expecting

So I am kind of obsessed with pregnancy books. I mean there really is no such thing as TMI when it comes to this topic for me (which I know is scary). So when we found out we were pregnant in February, I went on Amazon and bought a ton of different books. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy--This was the first book I ever bought and if you only want to read one or two pregnancy books, this is definitely one I'd recommend. It is very straightforward and is written by doctors who are also parents. Covers before, during, and after pregnancy from trying to conceive to breastfeeding. Chapters are divided by pregnancy months with brief sections on your baby's development week by week.
2.What to Expect When You're Expecting--The classic. I actually must admit I never bought this book. After reading a lot of controversial reviews online, I decided not to buy it but then saw it at the library later on and checked it out. I loved it. My friend actually gave me her older edition, so now I have a copy of my own but I would definitely recommend this book (the newest edition). The book is organized much like the Mayo Clinic book, but it also includes frequently asked questions from pregnant women that are answered in full. This really is the Pregnancy Bible. I would recommend it to every pregnant woman.
3. The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy--Very interesting and educational book! Since you're eating for two, I think it's important to educate yourself on food that could/will help your baby thrive during your pregnancy. This book separates the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester and delves into the top foods to eat during each trimester and why. Having this book around is like a constant reminder to be healthy for both you and your baby, and despite my many online searches on "healthiest foods to eat while pregnant," this book offers way more nutritional insight than you will find in any online article.
4. Pregnancy Day by Day--No joke, the MOTHER of all pregnancy books. I checked this book out from the library and was so happy with my find. This is for all you ladies who want to know every little thing about your baby's development at every stage of your pregnancy. This book is very exciting as it includes ultrasound pictures of what your baby may look like on a day-to-day basis and offers a plethora of exciting information on each page. I can't give enough positive feedback on this great (and much needed for my neurotic pregnant self) book.
5. The Pregnancy Countdown Book--Probably my favorite little pregnancy book. Much like the previous book, this book counts down your pregnancy day by day, page by page. Unlike the previous book, this book is small and can fit in your purse--prefect to pull out during lunch breaks at work or while waiting in the doctor's office. You are obviously not getting as much information as the other books, but if you are a busy mama, this book is perfect. Most of all I love this book for its humor. I'm really picky about pregnancy humor, but I was literally laughing out loud at some of the stuff I read in this book.
6. How to Exercise When You're Expecting--I must confess I have read this book the least out of all of my books so far. I do think it's important to try to stay active during pregnancy and this book really emphasizes why. This is a great pregnancy health book that lets you know what exercises are generally safe (obviously talk to your doctor first) and will guide you through the process of getting your body back 5 months after you give birth.
7. Be Prepared--I bought this book for my husband because I thought it looked cool and figured he would read it if it looked like a survival guide. Which basically this is. This book really deals with preparing for the baby, talking about everything from why babies cry and the best ways to deal with it, to dealing with people you really don't trust holding your newborn. This is a great book for getting ready for baby (as most of the other books posted center around pregnancy). But if you want the "father of all pregnancy books," as I like to call it, see the one below.
8. The Expectant Father--My dad actually bought us each a pregnancy book and this was the one he selected for my husband. Of course I have read parts and pieces of it and I can honestly say that I love it. This book really is awesome and really walks the dad-to-be through what YOU are going through (not to mention there is a wonderful list with sweet suggestions of thoughtful things to do for the mama-to-be). I like that it is pretty straightforward and encourages dads to be part of the pregnancy process, while still getting them ready for fatherhood.

I hope this is helpful for all you soon-to-be mamas and dads out there. Even though it is a matter of opinion, this is a list I would have found helpful (rather than reading thousands of reviews for different books) when I first found out I was pregnant.

Happy pregnancy!