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Most Scientifc Books on Fatherhood and Pregnancy?

2 pointsImageXav2y ago5 comments

We're (well, my wife is) in the early stages of a pregnancy and i'd like to read up about the topic from a scientific, relatively unbiased point of view to learn what we can expect but also how to best support her and the future child. However, no matter what I search on Google all I seem to get are lists of the 'Best XX pregnancy books of 2023'.

My feeling is that the science of pregnancy and parenthood probably doesn't change every year, so I'd like to get some recommendations from the HN crowd on books they've read which they have found useful.

5 comments

5 comments · 3 top-level

akerl_2y ago· 1 in thread

Just as a counterpoint, I'd suggest that the science of pregnancy and parenthood is some of the least solid you're likely to encounter. Pregnant people and children are some of the hardest to study in a rigorous way, both because of the myriad of factors involved and the difficulty in performing research. Doing something like a double-blind test between a treatment and a placebo on a group of children who can't rationally consider the tradeoffs or consent is radically more complicated than doing the same kind of study on adults.

ImageXavOP2y ago

I can imagine it to be quite hard. However, I do think that it is possible to do studies that meet the 'good enough' criteria and that certain key points can be ascertained with high confidence (e.g. taking folic acid at the beginning of a pregnancy/before conception - don't drink alcohol, etc). The issue I'm finding is that most books for parents seem to be a collection of anecdote and personal bias. It would be nice to have a book which provides references and true insight.

alexmolas2y ago· 1 in thread

I would say that "What to expect when you're expecting" is the book you are looking for.

ImageXavOP2y ago

This is an interesting one. It's on the top of a lot of lists but I remember some criticisms of it in the early editions. Are the later ones updated/corrected?

billibill2y ago

I would highly suggest "The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be" by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash - https://www.readupnext.com/book/the-expectant-father

It is a practical and informative book for fathers-to-be, covering the emotional, financial, and physical changes that men might expect when their partner is pregnant.

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