Expecting Better Why The Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong And What You Really Need To Know By Emily Oster

Congratulations, you just found out that you’re pregnant. Now what? What are the changes that you need to make? Many expectant mothers run to the internet to figure out what do all of these new feelings and how to address them. Is the baby ok if I eat this or drink that? Am I going to affect my child’s IQ if I eat the wrong thing? Emily Oster takes all the research gathered over the past few decades and lays it all out in her book, Expecting Better. 
Here’s a few facts from the author to help you sleep better at night:

• All evidence supports having up to 2 cups of coffee per day while much of the evidence supports having 3-4 cups per day.

• Some nausea during pregnancy is normal and is probably a good sign.

• Vomiting every day for weeks is more than the average person experiences.

• Best Treatments for nausea: 1. Small meals 2. Vitamin b6 + ginger ale 

• For amniotic fluid monitoring before going birth, check the deep vertical pocket as well as the total fluid volume. Also stay hydrated!!!

• It is recommended to have a Doula to decrease the chances of a c-section or the use of an epidural.

Overall, I would read this book if you are in the process of trying to conceive. She goes into detail of some decisions you may have to make at the beginning of your pregnancy or for natural family planning. Many patients complain that they have so many questions when they go to their OB appointments and sometimes forget to ask or nervous to ask. If you’re a first time mom, you need to educate yourself on every step of this process and this book is very helpful to do so.
Oster, E. (2013). Expecting better. 1st ed. New York: Penguin Books.