BIBLIO is the largest independent book marketplace in the world, with over 100 million books.

Skip to content

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know Paperback - 2014 - 1st Edition

by Emily Oster

Add to wish list
This seller has earned a 4.28 of 5 Stars rating from internet customers.
4.28 / 5 (58657 total reviews)

Summary

“Gives moms-to-be a big helping of peace of mind!” —Harvey Karp M.D., bestselling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block
 
Pregnancy—unquestionably one of the most pro­found, meaningful experiences of adulthood—can reduce otherwise intelligent women to, well, babies. Pregnant women are told to avoid cold cuts, sushi, alcohol, and coffee without ever being told why these are forbidden. Rules for prenatal testing are similarly unexplained. Moms-to-be desperately want a resource that empowers them to make their own right choices.

When award-winning economist Emily Oster was a mom-to-be herself, she evaluated the data behind the accepted rules of pregnancy, and discovered that most are often misguided and some are just flat-out wrong. Debunking myths and explaining everything from the real effects of caffeine to the surprising dangers of gardening, Expecting Bettering is the book for every pregnant woman who wants to enjoy a healthy and relaxed pregnancy—and the occasional glass of wine.

Reader reviews for Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know

Review summary

This seller has earned a 4.28 of 5 Stars rating from internet customers.
4.28 / 5 (58657 total reviews)

"Expecting Better" by Emily Oster generated highly polarized reactions among readers. The book, which applies statistical analysis to pregnancy decisions, attracted passionate supporters who appreciated its data-driven approach and critics who questioned Oster's qualifications and accused her of cherry-picking studies to justify personal preferences. The most contentious issue centered on her conclusions about alcohol consumption during pregnancy, which contradicted major health organizations' guidance. Medical professionals who reviewed the book frequently criticized Oster for oversimplifying complex medical issues, presenting biased interpretations of research, and lacking the clinical expertise to make pregnancy recommendations. Supporters, meanwhile, praised her effort to empower pregnant women with evidence-based information and transparent citations.

Readers say this book is:
data-driven evidence-based empowering biased oversimplified dangerous smug insightful condescending irresponsible

Write a review for this book

There are no reviews for this book yet. Be the first to write a review!

Your review will be anonymous unless you login or create an account first.

Overall rating
Remember: You’re rating the book as a work, not the seller or the condition of the specific copy you purchased!

Important Terms and Guidelines

  • Please focus on the book’s content and context. Also, add any personal comments as to how you enjoyed the book. Substantiate your likes and dislikes. You may make comparisons to other books.
  • Reviews must be at least 140 characters in length.
  • Please do not reveal critical plot elements.
  • This is not a help line. Contact customer support if you need help.
Your review must not include:
  • Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other insulting language not suitable for public domain
  • Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers or websites.
  • Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other contact information.
  • Overly critical comments about other reviews or reviewers
  • Time-sensitive material (i.e. promotional tours, seminars, lectures, etc.)
  • Availability, price, or alternative ordering/shipping information

From the publisher

Fully revised and updated for 2025, from the bestselling author of Cribsheet, The Family Firm, and The Unexpected

"A revelation for curious mothers-to-be whose doctors fail to lay out the pros and cons of that morning latte, let alone discuss real science." --The New York Times

"Emily Oster is the non-judgmental girlfriend holding our hand and guiding us through pregnancy and motherhood. She has done the work to get us the hard facts in a soft, understandable way." --Amy Schumer

The award-winning economist named one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people disproves standard recommendations about pregnancy to empower women while they're expecting.

Pregnancy--unquestionably one of the most pro­found, meaningful experiences of adulthood--can reduce otherwise intelligent women to, well, babies. Pregnant women are told to avoid cold cuts, sushi, alcohol, and coffee without ever being told why these are forbidden. Rules for prenatal testing are similarly unexplained. Parents-to-be desperately want a resource that empowers them to make their own right choices.

When award-winning economist Emily Oster was a mom-to-be herself, she evaluated the data behind the accepted rules of pregnancy, and discovered that most are often misguided and some are just flat-out wrong. Debunking myths and explaining everything from the real effects of caffeine to the surprising dangers of gardening, Expecting Better is the book for every pregnant woman who wants to enjoy a healthy and relaxed pregnancy--and the occasional glass of wine.

Details

  • Title Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know
  • Author Emily Oster
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 384
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Penguin Publishing Group, Qg8a
  • Publication date 2014-06-24
  • Features Bibliography, Index, Price on Product - Canadian, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9780143125709 / 0143125702
  • Weight 0.65 lbs (0.29 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 in (21.08 x 13.72 x 2.54 cm)
  • Age range 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Themes
    • Sex & Gender: Feminine
    • Topical: Family
    • Topical: Health & Fitness
    • Topical: Women's Interest
  • Category Consumer Health
  • Library of Congress subjects Pregnancy, Pregnant women - Health and hygiene
  • Dewey Decimal Code 618.2

About the author

Emily Oster is a professor of economics at Brown University and the author of Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm, and The Unexpected. She writes the newsletter ParentData and her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Bloomberg.com. She has two children.
Back to top↑

More Copies for Sale

Show all copies
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to...
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)

by Emily Oster

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
1
Seller
Red's Corner
Item price
A$3.17
A$7.24 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin. paperback. Good. in x in x in.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$3.17
A$7.24 Delivery to USA
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to...
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)

by Emily Oster

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
General
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
1
Seller
The Bluestocking Bookshop
Item price
A$5.50
A$7.60 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Books, June 2014. Trade Paperback . General. All books on our shelves are good condition - lightly read or worn - unless otherwise indicated. The Bluestocking Bookshop provides high-quality used and new books and gift items at deep discounts. Shipping media mail. Follow on Instagram for New Arrival stories and bookseller recommendations.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$5.50
A$7.60 Delivery to USA
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know

by Oster, Emily

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
1
Seller
St. Vinnie's Charitable Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$5.78
A$5.78 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Acceptable. paperback The item is fairly worn but still readable. Signs of wear include aesthetic issues such as scratches, worn covers, damaged binding. The item may have identifying markings on it or show other signs of previous use. May have page creases, creased spine, bent cover or markings inside. Packed with care, shipped promptly.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$5.78
A$5.78 Delivery to USA
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to...
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)

by Oster, Emily

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
1
Seller
Wonder Book
Item price
A$7.23
A$5.78 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Books. Used - Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner’s name, short gifter’s inscription or light stamp.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$7.23
A$5.78 Delivery to USA
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to...
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)

by Oster, Emily

  • Used
  • Very good
  • first
Condition
Very good
Edition
1
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
1
Seller
BooksRun
Item price
A$7.72
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Books. 1. Very Good. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$7.72
Free Delivery to USA
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to...
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)

by Oster, Emily

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • first
Condition
Acceptable
Edition
1
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
2
Seller
BooksRun
Item price
A$8.67
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Books. 1. Acceptable. The item might be beaten up but readable. May contain markings or highlighting, as well as stains, bent corners, or any other major defect, but the text is not obscured in any way.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$8.67
Free Delivery to USA
Expecting Better : Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong - And What You Really Need to Know

Expecting Better : Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong - And What You Really Need to Know

by Emily Oster

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
1
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$9.43
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2014. Paperback. Good. Disclaimer:A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine may show signs of wear. Pages can include limited notes and highlighting, and the copy can include previous owner inscriptions. The dust jacket is missing. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$9.43
Free Delivery to USA
Expecting Better : Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--And What You Really Need to Know

Expecting Better : Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--And What You Really Need to Know

by Emily Oster

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
284
Seller
ThriftBooks
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$9.45
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2014. Paperback. Good. Disclaimer:A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine may show signs of wear. Pages can include limited notes and highlighting, and the copy can include previous owner inscriptions. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$9.45
Free Delivery to USA
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to...
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)

by Oster, Emily

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
1
Seller
Gulf Coast Books
Item price
A$13.22
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Books, 2014-06-24. paperback. New. 5x0x8.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$13.22
Free Delivery to USA
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to...
Stock photo: cover may vary

Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series)

by Oster, Emily

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780143125709 / 0143125702
Quantity available
1
Seller
Ausvora INC
Item price
A$13.96
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Penguin Books. paperback. Good. 9.5X6.5X1.5. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$13.96
Free Delivery to USA
Show all copies
Back to top↑

Please wait a moment while we load the requested page.