7 Best Pregnancy Books for Australian Mums-to-Be (and Dads-to-Be!)

If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or a new parent, your life is set to change. With conflicting advice and opinions from family and friends, a comprehensive book written by experts can help clear the confusion. 

With so many choices available, which one should you choose? We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the 7 best pregnancy books for Aussie mums-to-be!

This list includes some newer releases, but also a couple of classics that have helped millions of women through this experience.

Best Pregnancy Books Australia – Top Picks

Best Health Guide – Up The Duff by Kaz Cooke

Back in 1999, Up the Duff by Kaz Cooke was first released, and this bestseller has been at the top of pregnancy book lists ever since. This latest edition of Up the Duff is now available, with fresh new updates to suit the changing times.

For honest, real advice on preparing for pregnancy, pregnancy, birth, and beyond, Kaz Cooke has proven herself to be one of the most trusted health writers for mums-to-be.

Pregnancy can be an emotional time and a bit of a giggle is a good thing. This book is not only informative and accurate, but it is presented with wit. Nothing is off-limits, and with the revised 20th-anniversary edition, Up The Duff is still as relevant today as when it was first published.

Most Comprehensive – Pregnancy, Birth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin

Pregnancy, Birth, and the Newborn is another popular read for mothers-to-be, as it features expert recommendations and advice. By Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Janelle Durham, and April Bolding, this comprehensive guide empowers parents in an inclusive way.

From nutrition to doulas, to birth plans, this guide has it all with the outcome being a safe, and healthy birth… without having to sacrifice your own personal preferences and values. The latest edition was published in 2018, and it is available as a paperback or ebook. 

Most Popular – What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff

Chances are you have heard of What to Expect When You’re Expecting already since for many new mums, it’s still the first book they pick up. The guide by Heidi Murkoff is so popular that there is even a movie by the same name. Over 30 million copies have been printed so far, and we are now up to the 5th Australian and New Zealand edition.

This guide takes you week by week, with research and evidence collated from a team of professionals. All of your questions will be answered, even those you never even thought to ask! Food, preparation for birth, and potential complications are just a few of the topics covered. This is a bestseller for a reason!

The only con I noticed is that some of the advice is not really applicable if you aren’t American. But the volume is so huge that there are enough priceless tips for every mum in any corner of the earth.

Best Book on Labour – Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

If you’re one of those mums-to-be who are terrified with the prospect of labour, you’ll welcome this book written by a seasoned midwife with more than 3 decades of experience up her sleeve! This makes it an especially great read for first-timers.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth will teach you how to look at childbirth in a stress-free way, as a natural and even empowering process. We have been taught to think about the million things that can go wrong during delivery. What is heard less often is that our bodies are amazing, incredibly resilient organisms that deserve our full trust and admiration. And trust is the magic ingredient of successful, even enjoyable childbirth.

Apart from invaluable tips, you will also read about other women’s real-life experiences of what May calls “ecstatic birth“.

While I am personally more inclined to give birth in a hospital and not at home, this book still offered me much valuable insight and self-confidence.

Best for “Accidental” Mums – The Baby Bible by Bec Judd

Sometimes, a familiar face behind the words can make them easier to digest. Personality and television presenter, Bec Judd has been through it more than once. This mother of 4 (including a set of twins) has put together practical solutions for parents (and parents-to-be) in The Baby Bible. This isn’t just Bec’s personal opinion as behind the advice is the backing of an expert team. In the mix is an obstetrician, physio, sleep specialist, midwife, and ultrasound specialist.

Whether you want to eat healthily, or get more sleep, this one’s for you. This honest handbook is beautifully illustrated and includes photography featuring Bec and her family. This would be a lovely baby shower gift for the expectant mother.

And here’s what I especially liked about it. Despite (or maybe because of?) having four kids, Bec admits that she had never thought or even desired to have kids. After having her first, she was even desperate, feeling that it ruined her life. Of course, it all changed with a little help. But how many mums do you hear talking openly about these moments?

The moral of the book: motherhood has many different facets. And all of them are legitimate! Instead of judging on other mums (and consequently, ourselves), we should understand and support each other.

Best Practical Guide – 9 Months: The Essential Australian Guide to Pregnancy by Ruby Matley

This book is the work of mother and health scientist Ruby Matley and her Obstetrician Dr David Addenbrooke. After having her first child, Matley still had lots of questions about pregnancy and wished there was a book to answer all of them. She then approached her obstetrician, Dr Addenbrooke, and the rest is history – they co-authored this very practical and easy to understand guide book that covers medical information (what happens to your body in each trimester), practical tips (what to pack, maternity clothes), recipes and much more.

Published in January 2019, 9 Months has become a favourite for Australian parents.

Best for Dads-to-Be – A Dude’s Guide to Baby Size by Taylor Calmus

Yes, this book is about many different items that match the size of your baby during different stages of pregnancy.

But it’s more than just that. Apart from the humour (which can border on unsavoury for mums!), it also contains dad tips on how to be as seamlessly helpful as possible. And even more importantly, how to start bonding with the bump while it’s still just that – a bump.

Although the advice sometimes verges on obvious, it’s still an enjoyable read. Even (or especially!) for first-time dads who aren’t crazy about reading!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best book for pregnancy?

It depends on many factors. But if it’s your first time being pregnant, our best overall pick would be “9 Months: Essential Australian Guide to Pregnancy.” We love this combination of practical advice given in a very down-to-earth tone by an experienced obstetrician and by a mother. For best read that will make you laugh whilst providing good information, you can’t beat Kaz Cooke’s wit in “Up the Duff.”

What is the best pregnancy book for first-time mums?

The vast majority of books about pregnancy are aimed at first-time mothers. However, “Pregnancy: The Beginner’s Guide” is very suitable for new parents and also includes a guide for new fathers.

What books should I read before having a baby?

Books such as “Up the Duff” and “9 Months: Essential Guide to Pregnancy” are great books for mothers-to-be. However, make sure you practice some self-care by reading whatever you love reading (romance, sci-fi, memoirs, etc).

Is it good to read books during pregnancy?

Reading is a great way to relax at any stage of our lives. Reading books about pregnancy is important in order to stay informed and have a good level of reassurance and reading other books is a great way to distract our minds from pregnancy overload.

By Anna Wood, freelance writer and mother of 3.