8 Psychology Books Students Should Read When Expecting

Pregnancy is a wonderful time full of pleasant moments and excitement. But it also can be quite stressful for first-time parents as they might have a lot of questions. There are plenty of rapid changes, and it is a completely new experience. This can easily become overwhelming.

However, there are plenty of excellent books to get all the answers from. Surely, students who are expecting might say that they do not have much time for reading because of the college workload. The college curriculum can indeed be dense. But preparation for childbirth is crucial for parents and child’s well-being.

Students that need more free time can collaborate with qualified write papers to complete their assignments faster. Professionals can assist with writing, editing, and proofreading of the paper. They will guide you through the process and make sure the assignment is excellent and ready for submission date. Also, they can do it for you from scratch according to your specifications.

This can be a lifesaver for busy students when expecting. With professional help, you can keep up with the deadlines and still devote time to the exciting pregnancy period. And to make it go smoothly, you might want to read some books from this list.

Psychology for Pregnancy

It is an incredibly helpful book by Chong Chen that covers the direct link between a mother’s mental health and a baby’s development. It also teaches readers how to reduce potential risks and ensure no negative effects on the baby during pregnancy.

Also, it covers fundamentals that every first-time-parent needs, such as:

• Parenting principles;
• Stress;
• Importance of parents’ mental health;
• Emotional management;
• Baby’s brain development;
• Parental support.

The book is written by a neuroscientist, but it is easy and interesting to read. In terms of Psychology, it is one of the best. 

What to Expect When You Are Expecting

It is a well-known title that a lot of parents swear by. Written by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, the book covers all the common questions young adults might have.

It has plenty of useful information and practical tips. It covers pregnancy along with the first months after the birth. Also, it is useful for both parents to have a better understanding of potential risks and ways to prevent them.

The Expectant Father

It is one of the best titles geared toward fathers. The authors Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash bring all the crucial information one needs to know. It covers all the essentials, from understanding the pregnancy processes to spending quality time with your kid later on.

Another important aspect of this one is that it explains how fathers influence the child’s development and what to pay attention to.

Expecting Better

If you are looking for a data-driven title, search no more. Emily Oster delivers all the facts in a calm and objective tone. The information is based on scientific research, which allows parents to make their own choices.

The main focus here is addressing the common pregnancy myths and stereotypes. You’ll find data on how parents’ nutrition affects the baby’s development and what screenings are important.

What No One Tells You: A Guide to Your Emotions from Pregnancy to Motherhood

This book is written by Dr. Alexandra Sacks and Dr. Catherine Birndorf, reproductive psychiatrists. It focuses not only on the baby’s development but on the processes a mother comes through. It is often easy for new parents to disregard their state in favor of the baby. But it is important to acknowledge and address mental changes mothers experience.

The book explains complex emotions one goes through and normalizes them. That’s why it can be incredibly helpful for those who are expecting the first time.

The Fourth Trimester

Pregnancy might feel like a sprint. After the third trimester, you are done, right? Well, a lot of things are only starting for parents. This is where this title comes in handy. It describes the fourth trimester – the time right after the birth. During this period, it might be difficult for parents to take care of themselves as they are focused on the baby.

Yet, it is crucial to recover after birth and establish a healthy routine. Young mothers will learn how to rest and eat properly. They will also find out how to make this time less stressful for the body.

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

This one is perfect for getting all the medical advice based on clinical experience. It covers all the common symptoms and reasons behind them. It also comes with a 40-week calendar of what to expect in each particular stage in terms of the child’s development and symptoms.

With this calendar, parents can track the development of the baby and have a better understanding of physical processes. The book addresses the pros and cons of C-sections and home births. The main advantage is the information given is based on decades of clinical cases. And it covers postpartum issues as well, including contraception and breastfeeding tips.

The Happiest Baby on the Block

Dr. Harvey Karp offers incredible insights into a baby’s sleeping, breastfeeding, swaddling, etc. The book covers the third trimester, the calming reflex, and the cuddle cure. Also, The author delivers 5 easy steps for calming the baby in a healthy manner. It is an easy and useful read for students who are expecting.

You’ll learn why babies might cry during the fourth trimester and how to soothe them. New parents will be able to calm their babies and provide them with comfort by following easy techniques. Overall, it is a well-written and entertaining book with great advice.

In Summary

Pregnancy comes with a lot of unknowns for parents. So it is only natural to have a lot of questions. These books are amazing at giving answers to the most common ones. They explain the processes, address the worries, and give practical tips on having a healthy and happy pregnancy. They give all the essential information on the baby’s development and parents’ health.