Recommended Books for High-Risk Pregnancy

When Pregnancy Isn't Perfect : A Layperson's Guide To Complications In Pregnancy
by Laurie A. Rich

The only book that gives the complete information needed by the one out of every five mothers who will suffer major complications of pregnancy. When Pregnancy Isn't Perfect is a companion, advisor, and lifeline for the thousands of women who face the prospect of a problem pregnancy.

Like most women, Laurie Rich expected her pregnancy to be perfect. Instead, she had ten major, painful and debilitating complications that kept her bedridden for seven months, ending with a five-week hospital stay and her premature delivery by cesarean section. During this time, Laurie searched in vain for a book that would tell her what was happening to her and why. That is why she decided to write the book she wished she had read while she was pregnant. The result is this invaluable guide, packed with comprehensive information and reassurance for the many women who, like Laurie, develop such conditions as:

• Hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia.
• Intrauterine growth retardation syndrome.
• Placenta previa, placental abruption and other causes of bleeding during pregnancy.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Preterm labor.

There is also a wealth of advice on coping with such problems as multiple pregnancy and cesarean delivery and a special chapter for fathers--who are too often neglected when complications arise. Filled with both help and hope, this information-packed book is essential reading for all expectant mothers.

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Days in Waiting: A Guide to Surviving Pregnancy Bedrest
by Mary Ann McCann

This book is intended to help all bedresting women, their spouses, children, and families and friends. The book addresses the following areas:

• Designing the proper bedrest space.
  
  
• Understanding your limitations, which includes questions for your doctor with space for jotting questions and answers.
  
  
• Ideas for occupying your time while in bed.
  
  
• Surviving bedrest while at home, including ideas about meals.
  
  
• Surviving hospital bedrest.
  
  
• Helping friends and family members understand bedrest.
  
  
• Helping children understand bedrest, including ideas for entertaining your children.
  
  
• Coping with the losses associated with bedrest, such as the losses of freedom, control, income and intimacy.
  
  
• Words of wisdom for husbands, written by my husband, Kelly.
  
  
• Working with your doctor.
  
  
• After your baby arrives.
  
  
• Deciding about another pregnancy.

The resource section at the end of the book includes addresses, phone numbers, and web-sites for many support organizations as well as retailers who have on-line stores for you to shop for your baby from your bed.

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Multiple Pregnancy Sourcebook : Pregnancy and the First Year with Twins, Triplets, and More
by Nancy A. Bowers

Your reaction might have been something like this: "Hurrah! I'm pregnant! What? TWINS?!" Being pregnant with two (or more!) is different from being pregnant with one, and The Multiple Pregnancy Sourcebook tells it like it is, from weight gain to proper preparation for bringing your duplicate (or triplicate) bundles of joy home from the hospital. Author Nancy Bowers couldn't be more qualified to write such a book: not only is she a nurse and teacher of birth classes, she is also the mother of her own set of twins.

This book covers the same material as any pregnancy guide, and in approximately the same order. Starting with proper nutrition and continuing through the standard routines of visits and testing, it finishes up with the actual labor, postnatal care, and a walk-through of those first few days at home. Because all this information is aimed specifically at multiple pregnancies, you'll also find information about subjects like selective reduction, bed rest, and the chances of having at least one baby delivered by cesarean section. Through it all, Bowers's wise and experienced tone manages to soothe while educating. Bowers emphasizes that "multiple pregnancy is demanding work, but the rewards are matchless." She frequently encourages parents to seek out support, whether through a parenting group or a counselor, and provides an excellent guide at the end of the book that offers contact information for all sorts of potential help.

Destined to become a classic for parents of multiples, this sourcebook is one you'll want to keep handy throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

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The Pregnancy Bed Rest Book : A Survival Guide for Expectant Mothers and Their Families
by Amy E. Tracy

"Often the pregnancy complication and the need for bed rest arise suddenly and unexpectedly, causing the woman and her family to face a myriad of problems...this book can be an invaluable resource under such circumstances." (From the Foreword by Richard H. Schwarz, M.D., Obstetrical Consultant to the March of Dimes)

Prescribed bed rest for pregnant women can last from a few weeks to several months-and can be a highly stressful and anxious time. The author, who survived bed rest herself while pregnant, discusses everything from why bed rest is prescribed to bed/couch exercises to dealing with irritated husbands and frustrated children-and offers creative solutions.

Several bed rest survivors also share their experiences throughout the book. And at the end of each chapter readers can find information for additional readings, websites and useful resources.

"This book is sure to become a cherished companion for any expectant mother confined to bed." (Elizabeth A. Pector, M.D., F.A.A.P., family physician and bedrest veteran)

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