Pre-Pregnancy Education

I've never been pregnant and I'm not interested in learning about the gooey details until that day comes.  My decided method is to cross that bridge when I come to it - remember my post, The Things I Don't (Want to) Know?  However, this plan is challenged on a daily basis because I'm constantly researching and discussing pregnancy issues for my posts and, consequently, learning about pregnancy.  Gooey details included.

Even though I often find myself wanting to run away (far away) from a pregnancy conversation that gets too biological, I understand that other people want information.  Some women (and their partners) want to bone up (huh) on the pregnancy process before it's actually happening.  Though I don't fall into the category, I completely appreciate those who do.  Understanding the process before it happens is responsible, proactive and smart preparation.  Maybe I should reconsider...

I have pulled together the following list of books, which are specifically intended for pre-pregnant, knowledge thirsty individuals:

• What To Expect Before Your Expecting by Heidi Murkoff - Unlike the more well known What To Expect When You're Expecting, this book has a comical tone that sometimes reads like a fashion magazine rather than an information resource.  On the other hand, if you're in the mood for a great conversation starter that lightly brings you into the pregnant frame of mind, this might be the perfect choice.
• Before You Conceive: The Complete Pregnancy Guide by John R. Sussman and B. Blake Levitt - This book is thorough and covers a range of issues that may affect the baby during the pregnancy.  Just know that it's an older book and has some older (read: outdated) information.
• The Pre-Pregnancy Planner by Josleen Wilson - This book dives into the way a baby will change one's life in terms of time management, career, finances, social life and everything in between.  The content is geared to assist in the preliminary decision of whether (or not) to have a child.
• Get Ready to Get Pregnant by Michael C. Lu - Your opinion of this book will depend on how much you already know about pregnancy, meaning it could be redundant and obvious or exhaustive and alarmist.  Overall, there is a big focus on diet, exercise and fitness.
• Before Your Pregnancy: A 90 Day Guide for Couples on How to Prepare for a Healthy Conception by Amy Ogle and Lisa Mazzulo - This book received the most consistent positive reviews from online reviewers.  The writing style is a little dry, yet through the somewhat clinical perspective it manages to be informative without inducing fear.