Taking charge of your pregnancy The new science for a safe birth and a healthy baby

Obstetrics researcher Fisher debuts with an informative "course in human pregnancy" that brings conversations "out of the dark corners" and into the everyday. While most children have basic knowledge about "where babies come from," Fisher writes, there's still a large gap in most conversations about pregnancy and birth, which leaves women less than prepared to advocate for themselves when they become pregnant. Fisher focuses on arming women with knowledge about such topics as preparing for birth (including a detailed list of medical procedures a woman may be asked to make decisions about), a timeline of fetal development, environmental contaminants to avoid, and what to expect during delivery. She also describes such procedures as noninvasive prenatal testing, to help women understand the choices available to them. While she's not afraid to get into the weeds, she keeps her advice encouraging: "I want you to feel prepared for each step in the process, so that you can take charge of your pregnancy." This is worth a place on any expectant mother's bookshelf. Agent: Katherine Cowles, Cowles Agency. (May)

Fisher (obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, Univ. of California, San Francisco) explores the scientific side of pregnancy in this easy-to-understand guide. It advises pregnant readers on protecting their babies from complications or environmental toxins and safeguarding their health. Fisher emphasizes the importance of the first eight weeks of pregnancy, with tips for making the most of this time; her guide to genetic testing advises on risks and benefits of each test. She also suggests questions that readers can ask their own healthcare providers and ways for readers to be proactive with their own health and their baby's. VERDICT A helpful guide for expectant parents, with information both practical and scientific.