Before Your Pregnancy

May 3, 2010
In this revised and expanded edition, Ogle, a registered dietician, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer, and Mazzullo, a practicing ob-gyn and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Medical School, urge couples considering pregnancy not just to conceive but to “preconceive.” According to the authors, the 90-day period before conception is a critical time for couples to assess emotional, financial, environmental, gynecologic, genetic, nutritional, and physical preparedness. In this edition, they’ve added, among other things, a section called “twelve steps to a welcoming womb,” new research on blood sugar control, updates on herbs and supplements, a pre-conception menu, expanded gynecological and men’s health sections, and a new chapter on infertility. They cover the effects of such habits as smoking, drinking, drugs, and caffeine; address the work and home environment, nutrition, and exercise; and offer discussions of such practical matters as getting health insurance and travel ideas before baby comes. The sections on exercise and diet include not only general guidelines but also specific warnings (i.e., unpasteurized milk, Bikram yoga, and snowboarding are pre-conception “no-nos”). The authors present a well-rounded approach that will help parents-to-be play an active role in comprehensive planning for a healthy baby.

April 15, 2010
Ogle, a registered dietician, exercise physiologist, and ACE-certified personal trainer, and Mazzullo, an OB-GYN, wrote the first edition of this book in 2002. Here, they present the latest information and research to help couples prepare their bodies, minds, and bank accounts for the arrival of a child. The authors begin with chapters that help couples examine their stress levels, lifestyle habits, and home and work environments. They move on to how to choose a doctor or midwife, medical conditions affecting conception, genetic factors, chronic health conditions, and things that men can do to assure conception. Good nutrition, exercise, and the right drugs and supplements are vital for both partners, the authors hold. There is also coverage of infertility issues. Appendixes offer income and expense worksheets, dietary reference intake charts, charts for tracking menstrual cycles, and resources for safety information. VERDICT An outstanding book that fills a gap in public and consumer health library collections. There are many books on pregnancy and infertility, but none addresses preparation for conception in depth as this one does.Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L., CA

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2002
This valuable pre-pregnancy resource should be welcomed by prospective parents. Ogle, a dietician, exercise physiologist, and personal trainer, and Mazzullo (OB-GYN, Northwestern Univ. Medical Sch.) recognized that while the importance of optimal health during pregnancy is widely acknowledged, relatively little information is available to consumers about the significant 90 days that precede conception. Stressing that preconception counseling is relevant for all couples, not just those who may be "high risk," the authors present clear and realistic advice about a range of subjects relating to the smooth delivery of a healthy baby. Among the topics covered are women's health and gynecological well-being, nutrition, fitness evaluation and exercises, men's issues, medications and herbs (which are "baby-friendly"?), and emotional, environmental, and financial issues. Interspersed throughout the readable text are numerous checklists, tables of important facts and practical advice, and patient vignettes. Parents-to-be who read this book will approach parenthood with increased knowledge and self-confidence. Highly recommended for all public libraries and consumer health collections.-Linda M.G. Katz, Drexel Univ. Health Sciences Libs., Philadelphia

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.