The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy Buy Now

I've actually read this book twice - once a few years before I got pregnant, and once since I got pregnant. The first time I read it, it seemed "cheeky," if not a bit overreaching. The second time I read it, it seemed just plain out of touch with reality (and I didn't know Iovine was an ex-Playmate, but boy does that jazz it up a little - "fatty" comments from someone whose entire career was based on selling their body? No thanks...).

Vicki Iovine's writing style reminds me of those nasty old women you meet during your pregnancy that say things like "Oh, you don't even want to hear my sister's-cousin's-grandaughter's-friend's birth story, she split clear up her crack and her guts fell out!" Yeah, um, you're right...I DON'T need to or want to hear about it, so shut up. Just like I didn't need to hear Iovine's degrading talk about pregnant "fatties," droopy boobs, and having a husband who will never want to "be" with me again or find me attractive again. There are millions of women walking around on this planet that are proof that you're life doesn't end with motherhood, that you can be sexy and gorgeous and fabulous on a deeper level than you ever were before (and that's both DURING and AFTER pregnancy), and that you can live an active and healthy lifestyle during your pregnancy and be happy that you're taking care of yourself and your baby. Not saying you should go out and run 10 miles everyday...but there's nothing wrong with keeping up moderate and sustainable workouts as long as you feel good and there are no complications with your pregnancy.

I really took exception to Iovine's claim that there's no point in working out during your pregnancy because "You're just gonna get fat anyway, and it won't help you in labor & delivery." I'm sorry, but maybe that's how negative and lazy women console themselves about their bad body image and horrible labors, but I don't need that crap. For every bad story, there's a good one...it's just that the women with an axe to grind tend to whine a LOT louder. Not to say that my labor would be the best thing in the world or super easy just because I work out - but Iovine is hardly basing ANY of her claims on science or actual proven, factual information. Her entire premise is based in her seeming feelings of bitterness, rejection, and resentment of others (her husband, her self, other women, and - I sometimes think - perhaps even her children).

This book was just a total waste of money and time. Do yourself a favor and read something that actually prepares - rather than scares - you for pregnancy and birth.Get more detail about The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy.