Why does everyone push the "What to Expect, when your expecting book?

I know that book has been around forever, but I know for myself (yes I have read it) there is a lot of wrong information and vague answers in it.
I know it has caused a lot of nervous mothers to panic and arrive at the hospital because they have indigestion.

Any one else have any thoughts on the matter?

I am a labour & delivery nurse ( you can email me @ cutern4u@hotmail.com, if you have pregnancy/birthing/breastfeedi... questions)
Mother of 9 month old

Even though I am a labour and deliver nurse I still bought several pregnancy books and read them because I'm not saying I know everything, it's just that we get a lot of paniked women telling us there is something dealthly wrong with them because What to expect says so, same goes with this site I guess...

I can certainly understand where you're coming from! However the women who come in to Labor & Delivery panicked probably would have done so (perhaps even more often) had they NOT had books such as "What to Expect..." to reassure them.

As you've no doubt gathered from some of the questions here on Yahoo there are a great many people who are pregnant and have no idea what is 'normal' or what to 'expect.' I would rather women get their information from books written by experienced mothers and doctors than from family or friends... And with doctors juggling so many patients we're often rushed through our appointments without a moment to gather our thoughts or ask questions!

Also, labor is the strangest thing for any woman - especially one who has never experienced it - so it's not surprising that women with bad indigestion might fear something is wrong or that they may be in labor...

I'm a librarian, and books on medical conditions of any kind are often a blessing and a curse! You'll have folks self-diagnosing, self-medicating, or just plain developing the symptoms they read about psychosomatically!

I found however, while I was pregnant, that books such as "What to Expect..." were very helpful and reassuring - but I might be the exception, not the rule!

i like those books. i've read them all. i disagree with a lot of the stuff in there as well, but it never freaked me out. i do, however, know someone who got completely stressed about some of the things in those books. for people who are not nurses, i think the books are a good, comprehensive starting point for information. but they aren't the gospel.

i didn't like that book. i like the pregnancy week by week book.

I would tell someone to put more faith in that book than in the answers they get to questions on this site. At least that book was written by someone who for the most part knows what they are saying. I do agree that some of the content can be a little over the top in some situations. But on this site you have no idea who is answering you. I wish more people would pick up the book and read before trusting some weirdo on this site. Or like you said contact someone like you who is a nurse.

i agree..its vague..mostly wrong..and needs to be revised.

i read some of it during my pregnancy..but i havent taken any of it to heart.

the hospital provided books are better.

When last have you read that book.? It has been updated and as a first time mother, the book helped me tremendously.

For instance, certain things my baby did made me panic until i read about it in the book. It has alot of useful information pertaining to both mom and baby.

It lets you know that not ALL information would be relevant to your situation so you can feel comfortable if your baby isn't progressing like another baby.

As a nurse, you would have and know alot of information as to what and what not to do, but for someone that has no clue the book is a great help.

I do have a question about breastfeeding so I will email you...

Thanks!!!

Im 16 weeks pregnant (yea)!! And I have that book and a couple of others. I really enjoy reading them, and they answer alot of my questions. I also know not that everything in those books are necessarly true or apply to every expecting mom... you just have to use your best judgment and when in doubt call your doctor. But all & all they have been a tremendous help to me as this is my first time being pregnant!!

those books dont go for everyone but it is basic info.and it goes for most of us.i enjoyed the book during my pregnancy

I don't know but I am really not a fan of that book. It scares first time moms and it's very preachy. I prefer Your Pregnancy Week by Week. It's much better and gives you pictures and information for every week from conception to birth.