Best Books to Read During Pregnancy: A Must-Have Guide for Expectant Parents.

I'm always asked about the best books to read during pregnancy, so here we are celebrating some of the most amazing women in pregnancy & childbirth education and support who really are the foundation for everything I teach.

Pregnancy is a time of excitement, transformation, and, let’s be honest, a lot of questions! Whether you're looking for practical advice, emotional support, or just a good laugh about the wild journey ahead, the right book can be a comforting companion.

In this post, I’ve rounded up the best books to read when you're expecting—covering everything from birth preparation and parenting wisdom to mindfulness and self-care. So, grab a cozy spot, put your feet up, and let’s dive into the must-reads for your pregnancy journey!

I have added links to purchase where available, just click on the book cover!

1. Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage- @dr.rachel.reed

Just the epitome of all things Wild Embers. Ancient wisdom, wild women and how to navigate the modern maternity systems with all this in mind.

2. In Your Time - @drsarawickham

With the increasing induction rates this book is a MUST read for anyone birthing within the NHS

3. Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin

The OG in physiological birth education and empowerment

4. Expecting Better - @profemilyoster

If like me, you're not someone who's keen on following the rules this gives you some great information on some of the things society frown upon preggy folk doing/eating/drinking

5. How to have a baby - @natalie_meddingsdoula

A book written, by parents for parents. I've gained some of my most valuable information as a birther and as a parent from this book

6. What's right for me - Dr Sara Wickham

Learning how to make decisions is one of the most important things you can do to empower yourself to have a positive birth experience and this book teaches you how to do it in a really friendly way.

7. Placenta - the forgotten chakra @iburobin

If you've heard me preach about placentas this book is the reason why! If you want to learn more about how sacred this incredible organ we grow from scratch to nourish our baby is in other cultures give this book a read!

8. Informed is best @prof_amybrown

How to become an expert in your own pregnancy - because those we put our trust in don't always know what's best for us and our baby!

9. Give Birth Like a Feminist - @milli.hill

Because pregnancy and birth is so much more than having a "healthy baby".

10. Real food for pregnancy - @lilynicholsrdn

Society and over cautious medical systems with a lack of evidence have fucked up what women REALLY need for a healthy pregnancy - Lily tells you what you should be eating to nourish yourself and your baby.

Fun fact... If you have Spotify Premium you can listen to many of these as an Audiobook!

And if you want to find out more about things you can listen to, head on over to my blog post on The Best Podcasts to listen to when you're pregnant https://www.wildembersbirth.com/post/the-best-podcasts-to-listen-to-when-you-re-pregnant

What's your favourite pregnancy book? Share it in the comments!