EXPECTING BETTER

Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong – and What You Really Need to Know
by Emily Oster

It may seem unusual for a 60+ woman to be reading a book about pregnancy, right?  Well, my daughter Maddie was so fascinated by this book and talked to me about it so frequently, that I told her I wanted to borrow the book when she was done.  

Emily Oster is a professor of economics at Brown University and has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Esquire.  When she became pregnant, she realized there was a dearth of information available -- based on data and research - explaining the origins of many of the accepted truisms about pregnancy.  Why can’t pregnant women drink caffeine or wine?  Why must they avoid cold cuts and sushi?  What should they know about prenatal testing?  How about epidurals during delivery?  Home births?

Oster digs deep and evaluates vast amounts of data on these questions and many others.  She clearly explains the studies upon which the beliefs are based and debunks some of the most questionable. Her style of writing is both sensitive and entertaining.  She shares the decisions she made in her pregnancy based on her research without trying to convert her readers to her way of thinking.  Even though I’m long past my childbearing years, I found the book educational and fascinating.  I recommend Expecting Better to anyone interested in the current state of pregnancy and childbirth. (Liz)