Expecting Better

Expecting Better is a book written by Emily Oster, a University of Chicago economist, that challenges conventional wisdom on pregnancy and childbirth. The book has been praised by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist for its rigorous analysis of medical research and its potential to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. Oster's work has been compared to that of Atul Gawande, Malcolm Gladwell, and Freakonomics authors Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. The book has also been endorsed by Christine Lagarde, Sheryl Sandberg, and Anne-Marie Slaughter.

● Introduction

The book Expecting Better is part of a larger conversation about women's health, reproductive rights, and evidence-based medicine, which involves American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, World Health Organization, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Oster's approach has been influenced by the work of Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky, and Richard Thaler, who have written about behavioral economics and cognitive biases. The book has been discussed in the context of healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law by Barack Obama in 2010. Oster's ideas have also been compared to those of Paul Krugman, Joseph Stiglitz, and Jeffrey Sachs, who have written about health economics and global health.

● Background

The author, Emily Oster, is a professor of economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where she has worked with Gary Becker, James Heckman, and Lars Hansen. Her research has been published in top economics journals, including the Journal of Political Economy, American Economic Review, and Quarterly Journal of Economics. Oster's work on Expecting Better has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The book has been reviewed by The Lancet, Journal of the American Medical Association, and New England Journal of Medicine, which have praised its scientific rigor and policy relevance.

● Key Findings

The book Expecting Better presents a range of findings on pregnancy and childbirth, based on a review of medical literature and data analysis. Oster challenges conventional wisdom on topics such as caffeine consumption, alcohol use, and weight gain during pregnancy, citing research by American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and March of Dimes. The book also discusses the benefits and risks of induced labor, cesarean section, and epidural anesthesia, referencing studies published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, British Medical Journal, and Cochrane Review. Oster's conclusions have been endorsed by American College of Nurse-Midwives, Association of Certified Nurse-Midwives, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

● Critique and Reception

The book Expecting Better has received praise from The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist, which have praised its clarity and accessibility. However, some critics have argued that Oster's approach is too individualistic and neglects the role of social determinants of health, such as poverty, racism, and sexism. The book has been reviewed by Rebecca Skloot, Atul Gawande, and Sarah Kendzior, who have discussed its implications for health policy and medical practice. Oster's work has also been compared to that of Naomi Klein, Barbara Ehrenreich, and Susan Faludi, who have written about feminism and social justice.

● Impact and Influence

The book Expecting Better has had a significant impact on the conversation about pregnancy and childbirth, influencing the work of organizations such as Planned Parenthood, American Cancer Society, and March of Dimes. Oster's ideas have been discussed in the context of healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law by Barack Obama in 2010. The book has also been cited by researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of California, Berkeley, who are working on projects related to maternal health and child development. Oster's work has been recognized by awards from National Science Foundation, American Economic Association, and Society for Economic Research.

● Conclusion

In conclusion, the book Expecting Better is a significant contribution to the conversation about pregnancy and childbirth, offering a rigorous and evidence-based approach to understanding the complexities of women's health. Oster's work has been praised by experts in the field, including Christine Lagarde, Sheryl Sandberg, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, who have recognized its potential to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. The book has been discussed in the context of healthcare reform and the Affordable Care Act, and its ideas have been influential in shaping the conversation about maternal health and child development. Category:Books about pregnancy