Finding out you are pregnant is a momentous event for parents. From the start there are so many vital things to learn and with so much information available parents don't always know where to turn. This book gathers the expertise from a panel of scientists including Professor Robert Winston, dieticians and obstetricians and offers up-to-date information on what is happening to you and your baby as the pregnancy progresses. The advice given helps parents make the right decisions for themselves and for their growing baby. Looking at a range of subjects such as nutrition, antenatal tests, pregnancy ailments, preparing for birth, birth and the first dew days, each chapter is structures around common questions asked by parents-to-be. Amongst many others, the areas covered include: what you can do to increase your chances of a healthy and safe pregnancy; the pros and cons of different birth plans; how and why your body changes during pregnancy; birth choices; the first feeds and bonding with your baby in the early hours and days.The Essential Pregnancy and Birth Guide is the second in the series of reference books compiled by The Essential Parent Company and advised by Professor Robert Winston. With tips, lists of do's and don't and case studies, this book gives you everything you need to know to make your pregnancy as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible.

The Essential Parent Company was founded by Rebecca Chicot and Diana Hill. In 2012 they launched a box set for four DVDs, The Essential Baby Care Guide, that demonstrate and clearly explain everything you need to know to look after your new baby. The DVD's are advised and narrated by Professor Robert Winston. The Material on the DVDs is also available as an app and downloads. Professor Robert Winston is currently Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College and a well-known television presenter. His research has led to the development of gynaecological microsurgery in the 1970s and various improvements in reproductive medicine that were consequently adopted internationally. Awarded honorary doctorates at sixteen universities, his activities in the House of Lords include speaking regularly on education, science, medicine and the arts and he is also a board member and Vice-chairman of the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. He is a father of three and believes early experience is pivotal in making us who we are as adults.