Product Description

Say congratulations with the two bestselling parenting books presented together in one handsome gift set. Packaging What to Expect When You're Expecting with What to Expect the First Year--together with an astonishing 13.5 million copies in print--creates an instant 1,200-page reference library on pregnancy, childbirth, and baby's first year. Each book is trusted, reliable, and reassuring, thorough in approach, and always up-to-date. Together they'll guide every mother- and father-to-be through the 21 most important months in their lives as parents.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #375593 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 2
• Binding: Paperback
• 1328 pages

About the Author
Arlene Eisenberg worked on all three editions of What to Expect When You're Expecting and remained active in the What To Expect Foundation until her death in February 2001. She was also co-author, with Heidi Murkoff, of the "What to Expect" magazine columns.

Sandee Hathaway holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Boston University. An experienced RN with a specialty in obstetrics and neonatal care, Sandee lives in Waban, Massachusetts, with her husband and three children.

Heidi Murkoff is the author of the What to Expect series with her mother, Arlene Eisenberg, and sister Sandee Hathaway. In addition, she runs the What to Expect Foundation, which she co-founded with her mother. The Foundation promotes prenatal health in low-income areas and recently published a free low-literacy pregnancy guide. Heidi writes monthly "What to Expect" columns for Baby Talk and Parenting magazines and lectures nationwide on parenting and pregnancy issues. She also hosts the popular website www.whattoexpect.com. She lives in Santa Barbara, California, with her husband and two children.


Heidi Murkoff is the author of the What to Expect(r) series and author of Eating Well When You're Expecting, The What to Expect Pregnancy Journal Organizer, What to Expect the First Year, The What to Expect Baby-Sitter's Handbook, and the What to Expect Kids series from HarperCollins. Her interactive website is www.whattoexpect.com, and she lives with her family in Los Angeles, California.

Arlene Eisenberg worked on all three editions of What to Expect When You're Expecting and remained active in the What To Expect Foundation until her death in February 2001. She was also co-author, with Heidi Murkoff, of the "What to Expect" magazine columns.

Sandee Hathaway holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Boston University. An experienced RN with a specialty in obstetrics and neonatal care, Sandee lives in Waban, Massachussets, with her husband and three children.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Chapter 5 - The First Month Approximately 1 to 4 Weeks Congratulations-and welcome to your pregnancy! Though you almost certainly don't look pregnant yet, chances are you're already starting to feel it. Whether it's just tender breasts and a little fatigue you're experiencing, or every early pregnancy symptom in the book (and then some), your body is gearing up for the months of baby-making to come. As the weeks pass, you'll notice changes in parts of your body you'd expect (like your belly), as well as places you wouldn't expect (your feet and your eyes). You'll also notice changes in the way you live-and look at-life. But try not to think (or read) too far ahead. For now, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the beginning of one of the most exciting and rewarding adventures of your life. What You Can Expect at Your First Prenatal Visit Your first prenatal visit will probably be the longest you'll have during your pregnancy, and definitely will be the most comprehensive one. Not only will there be more tests, procedures (including several that will be performed only at this visit), and data gathering (in the form of a complete medical history), but there will be more time spent on questions (questions you have for the practitioner, questions he or she will have for you) and answers. There will also be plenty of advice to take in-on everything from what you should be eating (and not eating) to what supplements you should be taking to whether (and how) you should be exercising. So be sure to come equipped with a list of the questions and concerns that have already come up, as well as with a pen and notebook (or What to Expect When You're Expecting Pregnancy Organizer) to take notes with. One practitioner's routine may vary slightly from another's. In general, the examination will include: Confirmation of your pregnancy. Your practitioner will want to check the following: the pregnancy symptoms you are experiencing; the date of your last normal menstrual period to determine your estimated date of delivery (EDD) or due date (see page 8); your cervix and uterus for signs and approximate age of the pregnancy. A pregnancy test (urine and blood) will most likely be ordered. A complete history. To give you the best care possible, your practitioner will want to know a great deal about you. Come prepared by checking records at home or calling your primary care doctor to refresh your memory on the following: your personal medical history (chronic illness, previous major illness or surgery, known allergies, including drug allergies); nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbal, and so on) or medications (over-the-counter, prescription) you are presently taking or have taken since conception; your family medical history (genetic disorders, chronic diseases, unusual pregnancy outcomes); your personal gynecological history (age at first menstrual period, usual length of menstrual cycle, duration and regularity of menstrual periods); your personal o

Customer Reviews

Lots of great info!
Both of these books give you a wealth of information about what to expect both before and after your baby is born. The problem I have with them is that they are set up in a Q&A format. Some unnamed parent writes in with a question about their baby and the authors answer. Though this does cover many important topics, I was hoping for something more direct. For example, when I was wondering what the signs of teething were, I had to consult the index, which directed me to several sections that mentioned teething, but didn't spell out the information I was looking for. I found this to be a problem mostly in What to Expect the First Year. I didn't really have any complaints about What to Expect When You're Expecting. It's definitely one of, if not THE, best book out there about pregnancy. Buy it. Just don't get this boxed set. For information on you baby's first year, I'd recommend a different parenting book such as The Baby Book by Dr. Sears.

INVALUABLE ADVICE!!
I am the mother of a beautiful one year old daughter AND a wonderful 17 year old son. Although this is my second time around, 17 years is a big time span! Both of these books have been read and re-read many times in our household. Perfect gift for any baby shower or new parents!!

Very Pleased Reader of the What To Expect Series
I have kept the first "What to Expect when You're Expecting" book with me since my first pregnancy (more than 8 years ago!) and it reappears with each subsequent pregnancy. And of course the book "What to Expect the First Year" marked with notes from my first child appears shortly before each birth. I am now expecting our third (and LAST) child. I can't applaud this series enough! Every time I read these books I learn something new to assist with the daily tasks of growing, birthing, and raising children. My husband also enjoys reading these books right along with me. He has NEVER felt put down or left out-quite the opposite-the first book helps to explain all of the 'behind the scenes' changes so he better understands what I am going through while I still look 'normal.'

I have purchased these books numerous times as gifts for friends and family who are expecting-and I will continue to do so. While these books are NOT all-inclusive, and in no way replace qualified medical advice, they are a great resource for any expectant parents and/or parents of infants!

Congratulations to everyone who is reading this review who has just found out they are pregnant--you are in for the best time of your life!