What to Expect When You're Expecting

What to Expect When You're Expecting is a pregnancy guide written by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, first published in 1984 by Workman Publishing. The book has been a trusted resource for expectant mothers, providing guidance and support throughout their pregnancy journey, from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists-recommended prenatal care to Lamaze International-certified childbirth education. With contributions from renowned experts like Dr. Louis Keith and Dr. Roger W. Harms, the book has become a classic in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, often recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics and March of Dimes. The book's success has led to the creation of a What to Expect brand, including a website, WhatToExpect.com, and a community of expectant mothers, similar to BabyCenter and The Bump.

● Introduction_to_Pregnancy

The journey to motherhood begins with a positive pregnancy test, often from brands like First Response or Clear Blue Easy. As expectant mothers navigate this life-changing experience, they can turn to resources like WebMD and Mayo Clinic for information on fetal development and prenatal care. Many women also join online communities, such as BabyCenter and WhatToExpect.com, to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, including celebrity mothers like Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner. Additionally, organizations like American Pregnancy Association and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development provide valuable information and support throughout the pregnancy journey, often in collaboration with hospitals like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

● Physical_Changes_During_Pregnancy

As the body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, women may experience a range of physical symptoms, from morning sickness to back pain, similar to those experienced by Kate Middleton and Kim Kardashian. To manage these symptoms, many women turn to prenatal yoga and prenatal massage, often taught by certified instructors from Yoga Alliance and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Expectant mothers can also find guidance on nutrition and exercise from reputable sources like Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Council on Exercise, which often partner with hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and University of California, Los Angeles. Furthermore, women can learn about breast changes and skin care from experts like Dr. Jennifer Ashton and Dr. Debra Jaliman, who have appeared on The Dr. Oz Show and Good Morning America.

● Prenatal_Care_and_Checkups

Regular prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy, and women can expect to visit their obstetrician or midwife frequently, often at hospitals like Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Chicago Medical Center. These checkups may include ultrasound exams, blood tests, and urine tests, which can be performed by radiologists like Dr. James Thrall and Dr. Hedvig Hricak. Women can also learn about prenatal testing options, such as non-stress tests and biophysical profiles, from organizations like American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and National Society of Genetic Counselors, which often collaborate with research institutions like National Institutes of Health and Stanford University School of Medicine. Additionally, resources like WhatToExpect.com and BabyCenter provide information on prenatal care and childbirth education, often in partnership with hospitals like Cleveland Clinic and Duke University Hospital.

● Pregnancy_Complications_and_Risks

While most pregnancies are healthy and uncomplicated, some women may experience pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, which can be managed by obstetricians like Dr. Jacques Moritz and Dr. Mary D'Alton. In these cases, women can turn to resources like American Diabetes Association and Preeclampsia Foundation for support and guidance, often in collaboration with research institutions like Harvard Medical School and University of California, San Francisco. Expectant mothers can also learn about fetal development and pregnancy risks from experts like Dr. William Grobman and Dr. Brian Skotko, who have published research in journals like New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of the American Medical Association. Furthermore, women can find information on pregnancy loss and miscarriage from organizations like March of Dimes and American Pregnancy Association, which often partner with hospitals like NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and University of Pennsylvania Health System.

● Preparing_for_Childbirth

As the due date approaches, expectant mothers can prepare for childbirth by taking childbirth education classes, often taught by certified instructors from Lamaze International and International Childbirth Education Association. These classes may cover topics like breathing techniques, pain management, and newborn care, which can be supplemented by resources like WhatToExpect.com and BabyCenter. Women can also learn about birth plans and labor options from obstetricians like Dr. Christiane Northrup and Dr. Aviva Romm, who have written books like Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Natural Pregnancy Book. Additionally, expectant mothers can find information on cesarean sections and vaginal births from organizations like American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which often collaborate with hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and University of California, Los Angeles.

● Postpartum_Care_and_Recovery

After giving birth, new mothers can expect to receive postpartum care and support from their healthcare provider, often at hospitals like Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Chicago Medical Center. This care may include breastfeeding support from lactation consultants like Dr. Jack Newman and Dr. Nancy Mohrbacher, as well as guidance on newborn care and infant development from experts like Dr. Harvey Karp and Dr. William Sears. Women can also find resources on postpartum depression and anxiety from organizations like Postpartum Support International and National Alliance on Mental Illness, which often partner with hospitals like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Furthermore, new mothers can learn about postpartum recovery and self-care from celebrity mothers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Chrissy Teigen, who have shared their experiences on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

Category:Pregnancy