What To Believe When You're Expecting: A New Look at Old Wives' Tales in Pregnancy

Pregnant women are inundated with well-meaning but not always scientifically proven or correct advice. Obstetrician Schaffir aims to examine whether the "old wives' tales" about pregnancy and childbirth are true or not (usually not), giving a better sense of the origin of these stories and whether or not they will work and why. Tales range from plausible to unbelievable, including examinations of the health benefits of women eating the placenta postbirth, whether exercise is beneficial for an easier labor, and if spicy foods induce labor. While chapters are often full of clichés and gender stereotypes, there is plenty of solid medical advice, studies, and well-researched points to make this a useful read for women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Schaffir uses slightly dated language at times, but is also very witty.