The Stress-Free Pregnancy Guide: A Doctor Tells You What to Really Expect

Livoti, a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, teaming with Topp, a nonfiction writer and filmmaker, debunks common myths about pregnancy and explains what to really expect. The authors offer chapters on normal experiences and abnormal signs for each trimester, allowing squeamish readers to skip upsetting and probably unnecessary information. In addition, there are chapters on the period before conception, conception, delivery, and the postpartum period. The book explains why a pregnant woman's body experiences certain changes, gives advice on exercise and diet, explains medical tests and results, and shows how to recognize unusual symptoms. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Carol Livoti, M.D., OB/GYN (New York, NY) is a graduate of New York Medical College and Cornell University. She is board certified and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Livoti began her private practice in 1976, and is on the editorial advisory board of Shape Magazine.

Elizabeth Topp (New York, NY) is an expert on sex education in the New York area and is currently making a documentary about female sexuality.

Contents

Introduction vii

CHAPTER 1 Before Conception 1

CHAPTER 2 Conception 16

CHAPTER 3 First Trimester: Normal 41

CHAPTER 4 First Trimester: Abnormal 57

CHAPTER 5 Second Trimester: Normal 73

CHAPTER 6 Second Trimester: Abnormal 97

CHAPTER 7 Third Trimester: Normal 116

CHAPTER 8 Third Trimester: Abnormal 142

CHAPTER 9 Labor: Normal 164

CHAPTER 10 Labor: Abnormal 198

CHAPTER 11 Delivery 220

CHAPTER 12 Postpartum 239

CHAPTER 13 Myths of Obstetrics 264

Conclusion 277

Index 281