When I was pregnant with Dexter, I was glued to books like What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Every week I’d whip them out and follow the development of baby like a student cramming for a PHD in Obstetrics. I knew exactly when his fingernails finally formed, when his taste buds began to develop, and when he took on his daddy’s ears. I think a first pregnancy brings out the neurosis in women and every stray kick, twinge or burp sees you flying to the bookshelf for confirmation that baby hasn’t punched his way out of the amniotic sac in a bid for freedom.

As pregnancy is different for every woman, and every baby, it’s all too easy to get deflated when you’re still waiting for a kick at 16 weeks when your friend can feel her baby at 14. There’s also a battery of tests and scans that can heighten anxiety for expectant parents. It’s no wonder that pregnancy manuals are at the top of a pregnant woman’s wishlist as they really can help you keep a level-head when your emotions are all over the place.

Yep, there’s no denying that baby books are Big Business. I remember spending entire afternoons reading reviews on Amazon, and once famously spent 2 hours in Waterstones (during the Christmas shopping season no less!) selecting my pregnancy bible. It simply didn’t matter that I was signed up to countless websites and receiving daily email notifications, you can’t ever put a price on a good book when you’re curled up in bed (especially as that was where I spent the majority of my pregnancy!).

So what sets this book apart from all the others? It’s the sheer level of detail. There’s advice on preparing your body for conception, early pregnancy signs, and thorough sections dedicated to each month of your pregnancy. There’s also loads of postpartum advice and a very sympathetically written chapter on how to cope when things don’t go to plan. It’s funny (in places), informative and there’s not a hint of the patronising tone that so often accompanies books in this genre. It’s incredibly well organised and aims to pre-empt any question (no matter how minor or ridiculous) you might have about your pregnancy journey. With a superior index for quick referencing, it really deserves its accolade of being the world’s bestselling pregnancy manual, and hasn’t moved from my beside table for a whole year.

If you’re planning / expecting your first child, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. You can get your copy from Amazon or check out the new website (click on the image below to be transported to all-things-baby!). WTE should also give out social media lessons as they’re incredibly supportive on Facebook and Twitter too - don’t be afraid to pop over and say hello if you have any questions that just can’t wait!