But first, something I was working on a few months ago when Jesse and I were thinking about getting pregnant. As is my nature, I decided to approach the situation by first reading a bunch of books. I checked out my local library for books on fertility, and I was overwhelmed by the number of texts available. I found myself wishing that someone had already gone through all these books and decided which ones were worth reading and which ones were ok to skip.
For all I know, that list is out there somewhere, but I have also created my own for you to peruse. I have included an overview for each book, as well as some of my favorite and least favorite things. The most surprising thing to me was that some of these books are helpful for all women at all life stages, not just those hoping to conceive in the near future, so I have also included my recommendation for when to pick up each book.
Disclaimer: This is a short list of books from my local library and is by no means exhaustive.
Second disclaimer: All the opinions presented in this blog post are based on my situation a few months ago, that is, a 20-something married female hoping to conceive her first child and not expecting any difficulties in the process. I haven't included any notes on alternate fertility treatments, for example, so keep that in mind.
Ok, here is the list!
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| Source: Amazon.com |
Book: The Whole Life Fertility Plan: Understanding What Effects Your Fertility to Help You Get Pregnant When You Want To (2016)
Authors: Kyra Phillips & Jamie Grifo, MD
Overview: Lifestyle choices and changes to make to be your most fertile self, as well as what to do if your fertility is waning
My Favorite Things:
- Medications and medical issues that can affect fertility
- Chemicals in everyday life to avoid (and how to do so)
- Nutrition for fertility
- The voice! I love the way this book is written. It’s so much fun.
Could Be More Helpful:
- There is nothing specific for men, although much of the information applies to both partners
When to Read: NOW! This book contains so much to think about, whether you want to conceive now or in 10 years.
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| Source: Amazon.com |
Book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health
(It looks like I read the 10th anniversary edition, but there is a 20th anniversary editin out now.)
Author: Toni Weschler, MPH
Overview: A guide to charting and interpreting bodily fertility signs to avoid or achieve pregnancy.
My Favorite Things:
- Observing and charting fertility
- Detailed instructions on measuring Basel Body Temperature and cervical mucus
- Information on getting pregnant AND avoiding pregnancy
- How different situations look charted out (examples)
Could Be More Helpful:
- This book is strictly about charting fertility, so if you’re looking for any information on nutrition, etc., look elsewhere.
When to Read: Anytime (!) you are interested in learning about charting your fertility to achieve or avoid pregnancy.
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| Source: Amazon.com |
Book: What to Expect Before You’re Expecting (2009)
Author: Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
Overview: Information on how to prepare for conception, how to go about conceiving, and infertility issues
My Favorite Things:
- Medications and supplements to avoid
- Medical checkups and family medical history
- What men can do to boost their fertility!
- Getting pregnant timeline
Could Be More Helpful:
- I would have liked more information on weight and nutrition
When to Read: 6 months to a year before TTC (trying to conceive)
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| Source: Amazon.com |
Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Fertility and Conception (2015)
Authors: Jani R. Jensen, M.D. and Elizabeth A. Stewart, M.D.
Overview: Another general overview of how to prepare for conception, how to conceive, and how to deal with issues that may arise
My Favorite Things:
- Good nutrition guide
- Information on medications and vaccines
- Helpful information on miscarriages
- The look and layout! This book is visually appealing.
Could Be More Helpful:
- I honestly can’t think of any way this book could be more helpful. It’s definitely my top pick! There is even a section at the end with special considerations (if you are single, gay, etc.) and a guide to making the decision between adoption and living child-free, if it ever came down to that.
When to Read: 6 months to a year before TTC
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| Source: Amazon.com |
Book: The Fertility Diet: Groundbreaking Research Reveals Natural Ways to Boost Ovulation and Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant (2009)
Authors: Jorge Chavarro and Walter Willet
Overview: Nutrition guide for those wanting to conceive now or in the future
My Favorite Things:
- Quick tips at the beginning of each chapter
- Reasons for each dietary recommendation (perfect for Questioners who always want to know why!)
- Analysis of diet trends
- Recipes!
Could Be More Helpful:
- The way the research is presented reads very back-and-forth sometimes (one study says this, while another study says this…)
When to Read: 6 months to a year before TTC (or sooner! Why not start eating healthier now?)
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| Source: Amazon.com |
Book: Fertility Foods: Optimize Ovulation and Conception Through Food Choices (2006)
Authors: Jeremy Groll, M.D. and Lorie Groll
Overview: Presents a nutrition plan for battling infertility
My Favorite Things:
- One basic premise: balance carbs and protein to minimize insulin resistance
- Sample meal plans with recipes
- Information on supplements
- Guide to setting goals and tracking your progress
Could Be More Helpful:
- This plan is very numbers-based (counting grams of protein and carbs), which doesn’t interest me, though it might be perfect for others
When to Read: 6 months to a year before TTC (or earlier) OR if you are battling infertility issues
So, there you go! Ladies, hopefully you find some information here that is helpful, no matter where you are in your life. I, for one, wish I had started reading earlier about my fertility, though when I did go on this mission to read all of these books, I was glad to learn all I could.
Until next time!
Amy
