Fantastic eye-opener, 13 Nov 2006
This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life.

Read when planning not pregnant, 16 Dec 2004
Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy.

A bit biased towards supplements rather than food., 15 Nov 2004
Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for.

Fantastic eye-opener, 13 Nov 2006
This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life.

Read when planning not pregnant, 16 Dec 2004
Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy.

A bit biased towards supplements rather than food., 15 Nov 2004
Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for.

very informative book, 04 Apr 2008
I really enjoyed the recipes in this book, easy to follow and very tasty.
I also liked all the information about nutrition, and how to look after yourself generally. Will reccomend it to my friends as they become pregnant!

Inedible, 05 Mar 2008
I didn't get on with this book at all... I managed to cook up several yucky recipes and then gave up and gave the book to charity. The recipes seemed distinctly vague and I need to be talked through cooking step-by-step. Got the Jane Middleton one from library -- the Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook -- and got on much better with that. Will definitely buy as we have really enjoyed Jane's recipes but would not recommend the Complete Pregnancy Cookbook to anyone.

Excellent, 21 May 2007
Had really good recipes that were simple and easy to make, very tasty (if I didn't burn it I'm sure lol). There were menu suggestions and details on the nutrients and vitamins contained in each recipe as well as what you need at every stage of pregnancy. An excellent book!

Bored of food in pregnancy? This book was brilliant!, 09 Feb 2007
My husband bought this book for me at the beginning of my pregnancy. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that you don't really want to follow recipes etc when you are shattered etc in early pregnancy but some pregnant women are lucky enough not to feel like that and this is a great guide to eating. I didn't look at the book at first but by the time I was 4.5 months pregnant I was really glad I had it - I had run out of interesting ideas of what to eat and was eating chocolate galore....and although I didn't follow the plans completely, I really found the recipe ideas useful and my husband has found them delicious too. I would definitely recommend this book (although taking into account others concerns of peanuts, marlin etc.)

But I thought I wasn't supposed to eat that!!!, 19 Dec 2006
This book worries me. EVERYWHERE else I look I am advised to avoid eating things like Marlin and Peanuts but this book actually contains recipies with these ingredients in..
Maybe it is OK to eat some of these things in moderation but by including these recipies in thier weekly menu's seems to be encouraging women to eat more of these things when perhaps maybe they shouldn't.
My advice would be to read this book carefully - along with others - and maybe pick and chose which recipies you follow. Personally, I'm working on the theory thats its better to be safe than sorry and will be avoiding the recipies that include ingredients I have been told by other sources to avoid

Fantastic eye-opener, 13 Nov 2006
This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life.

Read when planning not pregnant, 16 Dec 2004
Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy.

A bit biased towards supplements rather than food., 15 Nov 2004
Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for.

very informative book, 04 Apr 2008
I really enjoyed the recipes in this book, easy to follow and very tasty.
I also liked all the information about nutrition, and how to look after yourself generally. Will reccomend it to my friends as they become pregnant!

Inedible, 05 Mar 2008
I didn't get on with this book at all... I managed to cook up several yucky recipes and then gave up and gave the book to charity. The recipes seemed distinctly vague and I need to be talked through cooking step-by-step. Got the Jane Middleton one from library -- the Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook -- and got on much better with that. Will definitely buy as we have really enjoyed Jane's recipes but would not recommend the Complete Pregnancy Cookbook to anyone.

Excellent, 21 May 2007
Had really good recipes that were simple and easy to make, very tasty (if I didn't burn it I'm sure lol). There were menu suggestions and details on the nutrients and vitamins contained in each recipe as well as what you need at every stage of pregnancy. An excellent book!

Bored of food in pregnancy? This book was brilliant!, 09 Feb 2007
My husband bought this book for me at the beginning of my pregnancy. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that you don't really want to follow recipes etc when you are shattered etc in early pregnancy but some pregnant women are lucky enough not to feel like that and this is a great guide to eating. I didn't look at the book at first but by the time I was 4.5 months pregnant I was really glad I had it - I had run out of interesting ideas of what to eat and was eating chocolate galore....and although I didn't follow the plans completely, I really found the recipe ideas useful and my husband has found them delicious too. I would definitely recommend this book (although taking into account others concerns of peanuts, marlin etc.)

But I thought I wasn't supposed to eat that!!!, 19 Dec 2006
This book worries me. EVERYWHERE else I look I am advised to avoid eating things like Marlin and Peanuts but this book actually contains recipies with these ingredients in..
Maybe it is OK to eat some of these things in moderation but by including these recipies in thier weekly menu's seems to be encouraging women to eat more of these things when perhaps maybe they shouldn't.
My advice would be to read this book carefully - along with others - and maybe pick and chose which recipies you follow. Personally, I'm working on the theory thats its better to be safe than sorry and will be avoiding the recipies that include ingredients I have been told by other sources to avoid

Good info on prenatal fluoride, 11 Feb 1999
The nutrient most couples know the least about and need the most is fluoride. Many children still get cavities, yet no one seems to act like fluoride deficiency is still common. Somer's book tells you about fluoride, and cites studies by the best experts (Drs. Glenn). Good luck with your pregnancy. Ray

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Fantastic eye-opener, 13 Nov 2006
This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life.

Read when planning not pregnant, 16 Dec 2004
Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy.

A bit biased towards supplements rather than food., 15 Nov 2004
Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for.

very informative book, 04 Apr 2008
I really enjoyed the recipes in this book, easy to follow and very tasty.
I also liked all the information about nutrition, and how to look after yourself generally. Will reccomend it to my friends as they become pregnant!

Inedible, 05 Mar 2008
I didn't get on with this book at all... I managed to cook up several yucky recipes and then gave up and gave the book to charity. The recipes seemed distinctly vague and I need to be talked through cooking step-by-step. Got the Jane Middleton one from library -- the Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook -- and got on much better with that. Will definitely buy as we have really enjoyed Jane's recipes but would not recommend the Complete Pregnancy Cookbook to anyone.

Excellent, 21 May 2007
Had really good recipes that were simple and easy to make, very tasty (if I didn't burn it I'm sure lol). There were menu suggestions and details on the nutrients and vitamins contained in each recipe as well as what you need at every stage of pregnancy. An excellent book!

Bored of food in pregnancy? This book was brilliant!, 09 Feb 2007
My husband bought this book for me at the beginning of my pregnancy. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that you don't really want to follow recipes etc when you are shattered etc in early pregnancy but some pregnant women are lucky enough not to feel like that and this is a great guide to eating. I didn't look at the book at first but by the time I was 4.5 months pregnant I was really glad I had it - I had run out of interesting ideas of what to eat and was eating chocolate galore....and although I didn't follow the plans completely, I really found the recipe ideas useful and my husband has found them delicious too. I would definitely recommend this book (although taking into account others concerns of peanuts, marlin etc.)

But I thought I wasn't supposed to eat that!!!, 19 Dec 2006
This book worries me. EVERYWHERE else I look I am advised to avoid eating things like Marlin and Peanuts but this book actually contains recipies with these ingredients in..
Maybe it is OK to eat some of these things in moderation but by including these recipies in thier weekly menu's seems to be encouraging women to eat more of these things when perhaps maybe they shouldn't.
My advice would be to read this book carefully - along with others - and maybe pick and chose which recipies you follow. Personally, I'm working on the theory thats its better to be safe than sorry and will be avoiding the recipies that include ingredients I have been told by other sources to avoid

Good info on prenatal fluoride, 11 Feb 1999
The nutrient most couples know the least about and need the most is fluoride. Many children still get cavities, yet no one seems to act like fluoride deficiency is still common. Somer's book tells you about fluoride, and cites studies by the best experts (Drs. Glenn). Good luck with your pregnancy. Ray

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Couldn't get with this book at all, 26 Jul 2005
I've bought lots through Amazon over the years and this is the first time I've felt strongly enough to write a review. I've no complaints about the information in this book, but I found the tone and style so offputting that I stopped reading after a couple of chapters and have given it away. Basically it felt like the author was making a lot of assumptions about my views just because I'm pregnant and a vegetarian (for example by speaking about the joys of creating life without taking life (i.e. eating meat)) and it made the book very annoying to read.

I guess I like the 'rough guide to pregnancy' style, which is peer-to-peer, modern, informative and amusing - in contrast this title felt like I'd gone back in time with traditional black and white drawings of pregnant women and couples, over sweet introductions of what to expect at various stages which were probably meant to be inspirational but I think would have looked more at home in greeting cards, and generally a supportive, but to me overly mumsy and patronising manner.

You may find this book great and just what you wanted, it depends on what style you like.

Great Information, complete baby book, not a cookbook, 14 May 2004
This is not just an exceptionally good source of information on nutrition for vegetarian women (antenatal, during pregnancy and in the months after), it provides tips on how to calm the nerves and fears of meat-eating relatives and friends.

It is also a complete month-by-month baby book, with images and info on the growth of your baby and the changes in your body.

There are no recipes in here, though, so if you are looking for a cookbook, this isn't it. But you will get information on every kind of food, vitamin, mineral, carbohydrate, protein, etc., source you can think of!

Fantastic eye-opener, 13 Nov 2006
This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life.

Read when planning not pregnant, 16 Dec 2004
Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy.

A bit biased towards supplements rather than food., 15 Nov 2004
Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for.

very informative book, 04 Apr 2008
I really enjoyed the recipes in this book, easy to follow and very tasty.
I also liked all the information about nutrition, and how to look after yourself generally. Will reccomend it to my friends as they become pregnant!

Inedible, 05 Mar 2008
I didn't get on with this book at all... I managed to cook up several yucky recipes and then gave up and gave the book to charity. The recipes seemed distinctly vague and I need to be talked through cooking step-by-step. Got the Jane Middleton one from library -- the Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook -- and got on much better with that. Will definitely buy as we have really enjoyed Jane's recipes but would not recommend the Complete Pregnancy Cookbook to anyone.

Excellent, 21 May 2007
Had really good recipes that were simple and easy to make, very tasty (if I didn't burn it I'm sure lol). There were menu suggestions and details on the nutrients and vitamins contained in each recipe as well as what you need at every stage of pregnancy. An excellent book!

Bored of food in pregnancy? This book was brilliant!, 09 Feb 2007
My husband bought this book for me at the beginning of my pregnancy. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that you don't really want to follow recipes etc when you are shattered etc in early pregnancy but some pregnant women are lucky enough not to feel like that and this is a great guide to eating. I didn't look at the book at first but by the time I was 4.5 months pregnant I was really glad I had it - I had run out of interesting ideas of what to eat and was eating chocolate galore....and although I didn't follow the plans completely, I really found the recipe ideas useful and my husband has found them delicious too. I would definitely recommend this book (although taking into account others concerns of peanuts, marlin etc.)

But I thought I wasn't supposed to eat that!!!, 19 Dec 2006
This book worries me. EVERYWHERE else I look I am advised to avoid eating things like Marlin and Peanuts but this book actually contains recipies with these ingredients in..
Maybe it is OK to eat some of these things in moderation but by including these recipies in thier weekly menu's seems to be encouraging women to eat more of these things when perhaps maybe they shouldn't.
My advice would be to read this book carefully - along with others - and maybe pick and chose which recipies you follow. Personally, I'm working on the theory thats its better to be safe than sorry and will be avoiding the recipies that include ingredients I have been told by other sources to avoid

Good info on prenatal fluoride, 11 Feb 1999
The nutrient most couples know the least about and need the most is fluoride. Many children still get cavities, yet no one seems to act like fluoride deficiency is still common. Somer's book tells you about fluoride, and cites studies by the best experts (Drs. Glenn). Good luck with your pregnancy. Ray

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Couldn't get with this book at all, 26 Jul 2005
I've bought lots through Amazon over the years and this is the first time I've felt strongly enough to write a review. I've no complaints about the information in this book, but I found the tone and style so offputting that I stopped reading after a couple of chapters and have given it away. Basically it felt like the author was making a lot of assumptions about my views just because I'm pregnant and a vegetarian (for example by speaking about the joys of creating life without taking life (i.e. eating meat)) and it made the book very annoying to read.

I guess I like the 'rough guide to pregnancy' style, which is peer-to-peer, modern, informative and amusing - in contrast this title felt like I'd gone back in time with traditional black and white drawings of pregnant women and couples, over sweet introductions of what to expect at various stages which were probably meant to be inspirational but I think would have looked more at home in greeting cards, and generally a supportive, but to me overly mumsy and patronising manner.

You may find this book great and just what you wanted, it depends on what style you like.

Great Information, complete baby book, not a cookbook, 14 May 2004
This is not just an exceptionally good source of information on nutrition for vegetarian women (antenatal, during pregnancy and in the months after), it provides tips on how to calm the nerves and fears of meat-eating relatives and friends.

It is also a complete month-by-month baby book, with images and info on the growth of your baby and the changes in your body.

There are no recipes in here, though, so if you are looking for a cookbook, this isn't it. But you will get information on every kind of food, vitamin, mineral, carbohydrate, protein, etc., source you can think of!

I love this book!, 25 May 2006
I am an avid reader of the Green Parent magazine so was really excited when I found out the editor had written this comprehensive little book on ethical parenting. I loved the introduction 'Green parenting is about raising your children with love and respect. It's about listening to them and nurturing them in the hope that they will grow up to be healthy individuals who are compassionate about others and our world.' And so say all of us! A great book, one I will recommend to all my friends, because it covers all the issues that are important to me as a parent and is easily readable. You can dip into it for good ideas all the time too.

Fantastic eye-opener, 13 Nov 2006
This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life.

Read when planning not pregnant, 16 Dec 2004
Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy.

A bit biased towards supplements rather than food., 15 Nov 2004
Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for.

very informative book, 04 Apr 2008
I really enjoyed the recipes in this book, easy to follow and very tasty.
I also liked all the information about nutrition, and how to look after yourself generally. Will reccomend it to my friends as they become pregnant!

Inedible, 05 Mar 2008
I didn't get on with this book at all... I managed to cook up several yucky recipes and then gave up and gave the book to charity. The recipes seemed distinctly vague and I need to be talked through cooking step-by-step. Got the Jane Middleton one from library -- the Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook -- and got on much better with that. Will definitely buy as we have really enjoyed Jane's recipes but would not recommend the Complete Pregnancy Cookbook to anyone.

Excellent, 21 May 2007
Had really good recipes that were simple and easy to make, very tasty (if I didn't burn it I'm sure lol). There were menu suggestions and details on the nutrients and vitamins contained in each recipe as well as what you need at every stage of pregnancy. An excellent book!

Bored of food in pregnancy? This book was brilliant!, 09 Feb 2007
My husband bought this book for me at the beginning of my pregnancy. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that you don't really want to follow recipes etc when you are shattered etc in early pregnancy but some pregnant women are lucky enough not to feel like that and this is a great guide to eating. I didn't look at the book at first but by the time I was 4.5 months pregnant I was really glad I had it - I had run out of interesting ideas of what to eat and was eating chocolate galore....and although I didn't follow the plans completely, I really found the recipe ideas useful and my husband has found them delicious too. I would definitely recommend this book (although taking into account others concerns of peanuts, marlin etc.)

But I thought I wasn't supposed to eat that!!!, 19 Dec 2006
This book worries me. EVERYWHERE else I look I am advised to avoid eating things like Marlin and Peanuts but this book actually contains recipies with these ingredients in..
Maybe it is OK to eat some of these things in moderation but by including these recipies in thier weekly menu's seems to be encouraging women to eat more of these things when perhaps maybe they shouldn't.
My advice would be to read this book carefully - along with others - and maybe pick and chose which recipies you follow. Personally, I'm working on the theory thats its better to be safe than sorry and will be avoiding the recipies that include ingredients I have been told by other sources to avoid

Good info on prenatal fluoride, 11 Feb 1999
The nutrient most couples know the least about and need the most is fluoride. Many children still get cavities, yet no one seems to act like fluoride deficiency is still common. Somer's book tells you about fluoride, and cites studies by the best experts (Drs. Glenn). Good luck with your pregnancy. Ray

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Couldn't get with this book at all, 26 Jul 2005
I've bought lots through Amazon over the years and this is the first time I've felt strongly enough to write a review. I've no complaints about the information in this book, but I found the tone and style so offputting that I stopped reading after a couple of chapters and have given it away. Basically it felt like the author was making a lot of assumptions about my views just because I'm pregnant and a vegetarian (for example by speaking about the joys of creating life without taking life (i.e. eating meat)) and it made the book very annoying to read.

I guess I like the 'rough guide to pregnancy' style, which is peer-to-peer, modern, informative and amusing - in contrast this title felt like I'd gone back in time with traditional black and white drawings of pregnant women and couples, over sweet introductions of what to expect at various stages which were probably meant to be inspirational but I think would have looked more at home in greeting cards, and generally a supportive, but to me overly mumsy and patronising manner.

You may find this book great and just what you wanted, it depends on what style you like.

Great Information, complete baby book, not a cookbook, 14 May 2004
This is not just an exceptionally good source of information on nutrition for vegetarian women (antenatal, during pregnancy and in the months after), it provides tips on how to calm the nerves and fears of meat-eating relatives and friends.

It is also a complete month-by-month baby book, with images and info on the growth of your baby and the changes in your body.

There are no recipes in here, though, so if you are looking for a cookbook, this isn't it. But you will get information on every kind of food, vitamin, mineral, carbohydrate, protein, etc., source you can think of!

I love this book!, 25 May 2006
I am an avid reader of the Green Parent magazine so was really excited when I found out the editor had written this comprehensive little book on ethical parenting. I loved the introduction 'Green parenting is about raising your children with love and respect. It's about listening to them and nurturing them in the hope that they will grow up to be healthy individuals who are compassionate about others and our world.' And so say all of us! A great book, one I will recommend to all my friends, because it covers all the issues that are important to me as a parent and is easily readable. You can dip into it for good ideas all the time too.

If you know about nutrition you can skip this book!, 05 Aug 2001
If you know something about healthy nutrition and have read minimally about weight gain in pregancy (from leaflets and basic, general books) this book will not add much that you do not know. If you are unfamiliar with nutritional information however, it is easy to read and clear. But if you know your vitamins, food groups and principles of low fat healthy eating - save your money!

A great book for women who worry about weight while pregnent, 06 Sep 1999
This book is very reassuring for any woman who is pregnant and worries about keeping the weight on after birth. The focus is on a healthy pregnancy but it gives the facts about what to expect about weight. I found it very comforting and empowering

Fantastic eye-opener, 13 Nov 2006
This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life.

Read when planning not pregnant, 16 Dec 2004
Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy.

A bit biased towards supplements rather than food., 15 Nov 2004
Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for.

very informative book, 04 Apr 2008
I really enjoyed the recipes in this book, easy to follow and very tasty.
I also liked all the information about nutrition, and how to look after yourself generally. Will reccomend it to my friends as they become pregnant!

Inedible, 05 Mar 2008
I didn't get on with this book at all... I managed to cook up several yucky recipes and then gave up and gave the book to charity. The recipes seemed distinctly vague and I need to be talked through cooking step-by-step. Got the Jane Middleton one from library -- the Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook -- and got on much better with that. Will definitely buy as we have really enjoyed Jane's recipes but would not recommend the Complete Pregnancy Cookbook to anyone.

Excellent, 21 May 2007
Had really good recipes that were simple and easy to make, very tasty (if I didn't burn it I'm sure lol). There were menu suggestions and details on the nutrients and vitamins contained in each recipe as well as what you need at every stage of pregnancy. An excellent book!

Bored of food in pregnancy? This book was brilliant!, 09 Feb 2007
My husband bought this book for me at the beginning of my pregnancy. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that you don't really want to follow recipes etc when you are shattered etc in early pregnancy but some pregnant women are lucky enough not to feel like that and this is a great guide to eating. I didn't look at the book at first but by the time I was 4.5 months pregnant I was really glad I had it - I had run out of interesting ideas of what to eat and was eating chocolate galore....and although I didn't follow the plans completely, I really found the recipe ideas useful and my husband has found them delicious too. I would definitely recommend this book (although taking into account others concerns of peanuts, marlin etc.)

But I thought I wasn't supposed to eat that!!!, 19 Dec 2006
This book worries me. EVERYWHERE else I look I am advised to avoid eating things like Marlin and Peanuts but this book actually contains recipies with these ingredients in..
Maybe it is OK to eat some of these things in moderation but by including these recipies in thier weekly menu's seems to be encouraging women to eat more of these things when perhaps maybe they shouldn't.
My advice would be to read this book carefully - along with others - and maybe pick and chose which recipies you follow. Personally, I'm working on the theory thats its better to be safe than sorry and will be avoiding the recipies that include ingredients I have been told by other sources to avoid

Good info on prenatal fluoride, 11 Feb 1999
The nutrient most couples know the least about and need the most is fluoride. Many children still get cavities, yet no one seems to act like fluoride deficiency is still common. Somer's book tells you about fluoride, and cites studies by the best experts (Drs. Glenn). Good luck with your pregnancy. Ray

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Real World Nutritional Advice, Including Supplements, 04 Feb 1999
Elizabeth Somer's Pregnancy Nutrition Book is a breath of common sense that is much needed. Most nutritionists spend all their time trying to persuade everyone that all that is needed in pregnancy is the proverbial good balanced diet. Most nutritionists badmouth supplements for fear that people will just swallow pills and eat junk. As a reaction to the overuse of supplements most academics decry all supplements. (The official RDA of folate was lowered from 0.4 mg in 1970 to 0.2 mg in 1980 just because it is difficult to get more than 0.2 mg in the diet, so they lowered it so not to have to admit the need for supplements, even though the early reports from England about neural tube defect sparing were already published.) Somers never fell for that nonsense and has always encouraged sensible supplements in addition to a "good" diet. She always recognized the need for folate and iron supplements and was the first nutritionist to recognize the need for fluoride supplements in pregnancy. She anticipated, by four years, the present recommendation (Aug,'97 prelim; March'99 final) of the Food and Nutrition Board that pregnant women get 3 mg of fluoride a day. As the average diet in the US contains 0.5-2.5 mg, supplementation is necessary to meet this new Dietary Reference for Adequate Intake. Elizabeth Somer deserves great credit for her foresight and for the best pregnancy nutrition book on the market.

Couldn't get with this book at all, 26 Jul 2005
I've bought lots through Amazon over the years and this is the first time I've felt strongly enough to write a review. I've no complaints about the information in this book, but I found the tone and style so offputting that I stopped reading after a couple of chapters and have given it away. Basically it felt like the author was making a lot of assumptions about my views just because I'm pregnant and a vegetarian (for example by speaking about the joys of creating life without taking life (i.e. eating meat)) and it made the book very annoying to read.

I guess I like the 'rough guide to pregnancy' style, which is peer-to-peer, modern, informative and amusing - in contrast this title felt like I'd gone back in time with traditional black and white drawings of pregnant women and couples, over sweet introductions of what to expect at various stages which were probably meant to be inspirational but I think would have looked more at home in greeting cards, and generally a supportive, but to me overly mumsy and patronising manner.

You may find this book great and just what you wanted, it depends on what style you like.

Great Information, complete baby book, not a cookbook, 14 May 2004
This is not just an exceptionally good source of information on nutrition for vegetarian women (antenatal, during pregnancy and in the months after), it provides tips on how to calm the nerves and fears of meat-eating relatives and friends.

It is also a complete month-by-month baby book, with images and info on the growth of your baby and the changes in your body.

There are no recipes in here, though, so if you are looking for a cookbook, this isn't it. But you will get information on every kind of food, vitamin, mineral, carbohydrate, protein, etc., source you can think of!

I love this book!, 25 May 2006
I am an avid reader of the Green Parent magazine so was really excited when I found out the editor had written this comprehensive little book on ethical parenting. I loved the introduction 'Green parenting is about raising your children with love and respect. It's about listening to them and nurturing them in the hope that they will grow up to be healthy individuals who are compassionate about others and our world.' And so say all of us! A great book, one I will recommend to all my friends, because it covers all the issues that are important to me as a parent and is easily readable. You can dip into it for good ideas all the time too.

If you know about nutrition you can skip this book!, 05 Aug 2001
If you know something about healthy nutrition and have read minimally about weight gain in pregancy (from leaflets and basic, general books) this book will not add much that you do not know. If you are unfamiliar with nutritional information however, it is easy to read and clear. But if you know your vitamins, food groups and principles of low fat healthy eating - save your money!

A great book for women who worry about weight while pregnent, 06 Sep 1999
This book is very reassuring for any woman who is pregnant and worries about keeping the weight on after birth. The focus is on a healthy pregnancy but it gives the facts about what to expect about weight. I found it very comforting and empowering

feel good foods for pregnancy, 16 Jul 2008

This book is delicious! All the information needed to ensure that you eat a balanced diet suitable for pregnancy, but fab recipes that are suitable for all. I am feeling better already!

All the nutrition information you will need while pregnant., 16 Jun 2008
I enjoyed this book and found it very useful once i had overcome my junk food cravings. I had started to worry that i wasn't getting enough vitamins and minerals and this book was great for helping me to choose the right foods. The recepies have been easy and there is no need to go to a specialist health food shop to get ingredients. The photos also inspired me to stay away from crisps when i was hungry! Basically all the recepies and info you need in one book if you are pregnant.

Fantastic eye-opener, 13 Nov 2006
This book puts to bed all the myths to do with conception and childbirth ranging from "people have been having healthy babies without this information for centuries" to the current RDA information based on ancient research. This book provides a healthy eating plan that not only is aimed at getting you pregnant when you want to be but also a problem free labour, a healthier child and even what nutrients to get to prevent stretch marks. It recognizes the fact that because of increased pollution, stressful lifestyles, etc. food itself is no longer sufficient on its own to provide us with the nutrients we need and promotes the need for using supplements as a booster. I believe its no coincidence that "healthy" kids suffer conditions like asthma and behavior problems more than ever before while we live in a polluted environment (not just with pesticides in the atmosphere but also air fresheners, etc.) and consume more processed food full of additives and preservatives than our ancestors. I have read this book in preparation for my first baby and having previously followed Patrick Holford's Optimum Nutrition plan for a year after being diagnosed with food intolerances, I have decided to follow his advice knowing that while I can do nothing about unknown quantities (nor would I want to!), I can certainly do everything physically possible to give my child the best start in life.

Read when planning not pregnant, 16 Dec 2004
Highly informative and authorative Bible on the required nutrients for a healthy baby. Is fully backed up with research papers and scientific results and contains advice on everything from how to maximise your fertility to boosting your offspring's IQ.

I made the mistake of reading it when I was already pregnant and, although I've always considered my diet pretty healthy, was consumed by guilt at how I'd failed my baby already. Still, at least I'll know for next time! And Patrick Holden does assure readers that if any problem does develop (with either yourself or your baby), every situation can be bettered considerably with optimum nutrition. So all is not lost!

A great sourcebook - but just read it several months before you decide to conceive so you can enjoy a healthy as well as guilt-free pregnancy.

A bit biased towards supplements rather than food., 15 Nov 2004
Good book, packed full of useful facts about nutrition and "anti-nutrients".

Quite complex to read though, and certainly doesn't claim to provide a 'nutritional prescription'. Excellent reference material, but you really need to read the whole book cover to cover to find the relevant bits of info and bookmark them.

At first, the book seems to condemn such a lot of "toxic" foods and environments that you could be forgiven if you ended up terrified of eating ANYTHING or going ANYWHERE in case you were damaging your unborn (and even yet to be conceived) child!

You really need to dilute it with a bit of real-life practicality and make use of the bits that work for you. It's worth remembering that Yes, it's good to do the best you can, but millions of women have given birth to perfectly healthy, happy and intelligent babies, while still enjoying the odd cuppa or having to work in a smog-filled city. Don't let it scare you into starving yourself!

The bottom line, pregnant or not, is try to get some of ALL the vitamins, give yourself a zinc boost, and you won't go far wrong. You won't get a magic list of special vitamins from any book - we need a little of everything for optimum nutrition.

On the whole I'd highly recommend this book as I think it's always good to be informed, but for anyone who's looking for more of a quick overview of what fruit & veg they should be eating during pregnancy, this book isn't what you're looking for.

very informative book, 04 Apr 2008
I really enjoyed the recipes in this book, easy to follow and very tasty.
I also liked all the information about nutrition, and how to look after yourself generally. Will reccomend it to my friends as they become pregnant!

Inedible, 05 Mar 2008
I didn't get on with this book at all... I managed to cook up several yucky recipes and then gave up and gave the book to charity. The recipes seemed distinctly vague and I need to be talked through cooking step-by-step. Got the Jane Middleton one from library -- the Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook -- and got on much better with that. Will definitely buy as we have really enjoyed Jane's recipes but would not recommend the Complete Pregnancy Cookbook to anyone.

Excellent, 21 May 2007
Had really good recipes that were simple and easy to make, very tasty (if I didn't burn it I'm sure lol). There were menu suggestions and details on the nutrients and vitamins contained in each recipe as well as what you need at every stage of pregnancy. An excellent book!

Bored of food in pregnancy? This book was brilliant!, 09 Feb 2007
My husband bought this book for me at the beginning of my pregnancy. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that you don't really want to follow recipes etc when you are shattered etc in early pregnancy but some pregnant women are lucky enough not to feel like that and this is a great guide to eating. I didn't look at the book at first but by the time I was 4.5 months pregnant I was really glad I had it - I had run out of interesting ideas of what to eat and was eating chocolate galore....and although I didn't follow the plans completely, I really found the recipe ideas useful and my husband has found them delicious too. I would definitely recommend this book (although taking into account others concerns of peanuts, marlin etc.)

But I thought I wasn't supposed to eat that!!!, 19 Dec 2006
This book worries me. EVERYWHERE else I look I am advised to avoid eating things like Marlin and Peanuts but this book actually contains recipies with these ingredients in..
Maybe it is OK to eat some of these things in moderation but by including these recipies in thier weekly menu's seems to be encouraging women to eat more of these things when perhaps maybe they shouldn't.
My advice would be to read this book carefully - along with others - and maybe pick and chose which recipies you follow. Personally, I'm working on the theory thats its better to be safe than sorry and will be avoiding the recipies that include ingredients I have been told by other sources to avoid

Good info on prenatal fluoride, 11 Feb 1999
The nutrient most couples know the least about and need the most is fluoride. Many children still get cavities, yet no one seems to