I was back and forth on rating this for a rating, but I'd generally give it 3.5 stars. I rounded up due to agitation over a few of the hyper-negative reviews, to be quite honest. I don't feel that a book this valuable ought to be given a bad name because certain people didn't get out of it whatever it was they were expecting. (Please excuse the pun.)

This is an extensive reference guidebook covering the stages of pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and post-postpartum--not something I'd recommend anyone read cover-to-cover. And coming from the standpoint of a less-than-squeamish Labor & Delivery nurse, I found the medical aspects to be accurate, well stated, and thoughtfully presented. Thankfully, it offers a bit more personality and compassion than a text book. (Sort of a Dear Abby meets Lippincott's)

Is it the foremost authority on the subject of procreation and all of the variables therein? Not at all. But I do recommend it as a level-headed companion to satisfy one's random curiosities/concerns--which internet searches can often give conflicting results on. (I'm only speaking for the Revised & Expanded 2nd edition. I'm sure there were a number of kinks worked out from earlier versions, and more modifications made on the two most recent editions.)

I did try to come up with a quick list of people who would be better off avoiding this up front, just to save time and griping later on.

Do not read this book if you are:

*Looking for a fun Chick-Lit read.

*Easily intimidated by a thorough collection of information on a deeply complex topic.

*Neurotic, or likely to become neurotic during pregnancy.

*Generally resentful of those 'crazies' who respect the idea of natural childbirth.

*Have difficulty taking responsibility for your own actions/reactions to knowledge.

*Would rather jam your fingers in your ears and hum than be medically informed.

Hajmo reći da je neki opšti utisak prosečan...ne bih preterano ulazila u detalje.

Uzevši u obzir činjenicu da sam poslednju pročitala krajem maja i da mi dete ima dva meseca, a ja upravo završila knjigu o trudnoći, jasno je ko dan kakva je čitalačka kriza nastupila. No dobro, bar ću uskoro krenuti sa slikovnicama. ;)

I know there are a number of pregnant women who swear by this book series, but this book just opened up a whole lot of insecurities for me. During my two pregnancies, I found a lot more useful resources with a less condescending tone. When I read this book, I thought it was loaded with good information, but I also felt like I was the most irresponsible pregnant woman when I couldn't do what the authors mandated.