What to Believe When You’re Expecting: A New Look at Old Wives’ Tales in Pregnancy by Jonathan Schaffir, MD is all about debunking the many myths and pieces of advice that pregnant women are faced with.
This book caught my eye because of the playful cover and the interesting title. At less than 130 pages, it was a quick, easy read. The chapter on prenatal influences definitely piqued my interest because I have always wondered how much of what you do during your pregnancy actually affects the baby. Shaffir talks about everything from the influences of your mood, to whether and how much you exercise. Predictably, there is no one-size-fits-all answer; so much of it depends on the mother and her history, the partner and whether or not they are present during and after the pregnancy, among other things.
I don’t think this is a book I would seek out if I were pregnant, rather something interesting to read related to the topic. It goes without saying but I’ll say it anyway, definitely consult only your doctor with your pregnancy concerns! Other than that, it was a fun book that kept my interest the whole time.
