Now fully revised and updated to reflect the changing developments in obstetrics, The New Well Pregnancy Book is the best and most comprehensive book available for expectant parents. Written by Mike Samuels, M.D., and Nancy Samuels, authors of the bestselling Well Baby Book and Well Child Book, The New Well Pregnancy Book covers the physical and emotional stages of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, including information on: * RELAXATION AND NATURAL CHILDBIRTH TECHNIQUES * THE MOTHER'S EXPERIENCE OF LABOR AND DELIVERY * CESAREAN SECTION, PREGNANCY IN WOMEN OVER 35, AND HIGH-RISK PREGNANCIES * BREASTFEEDING -- HOW TO PREPARE AND HOW TO GET STARTED * FULL INFORMATION ON THE EFFECTS OF NUTRITION, EXERCISE, SEX, SMOKING, CAFFEINE, DRUGS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUBSTANCES DURING PREGNANCY The New Well Pregnancy Book also contains the latest information on the new prenatal tests and medical procedures, and the changing attitudes and preferences of new mothers, all in the down-to-earth, accessible style that the authors are known for. Their ultimate goal is to give parents a positive view of pregnancy and childbirth and help them experience the joys of this wonderful time. The New Well Pregnancy Book covers the physical and emotional stages of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, including information on relaxation and natural childbirth techniques; the mother's experience of labor and delivery; cesarean section, pregnancy in women over 35, and high-risk pregnancies; breastfeeding - how to prepare and how to get started; and full information on the effects of nutrition, exercise, sex, smoking, caffeine, drugs, and environmental substances during pregnancy. The New Well Pregnancy Book also contains the latest information on the new prenatal tests and medical procedures, and the changing attitudes and preferences of new mothers, all in the down-to-earth, accessible style that the authors are known for. Their ultimate goal is to give parents a positive view of pregnancy and childbirth and help them experience the joys of this wonderful time. Mike and Nancy Samuels have long been committed to teaching people how to have control over their own health, and have been among the strongest advocates in the medical establishment for preventive medicine education and self-care. Mike Samuels, M.D., is a graduate of Brown University and the New York University College of Medicine. Nancy Harrison Samuels, who died in 1993, was a graduate of Brown University and the Bank Street College of Education. They are the authors of The Well Baby Book, The Well Child Book, and The Well Adult. Mike Samuels lives in Bolinas, California. CHAPTER 1 Introduction Why This Book Was Written It is with great joy and excitement that I write this second edition of The Well Pregnancy Book. I would like to thank the hundreds of thousands of readers who made the first edition successful and would like to welcome new mothers and fathers to what I believe is a wonderful time. Pregnancy, childbirth, and new parenthood constitute a special time in our lives. Pregnancy and birth are one of the great mysteries, and to live and share that mystery ties us all together and unites us to everything around us. How many times in our lives do we exist in a space of creation? How often does the everyday world show us its majesty and power? To come down to earth, I write this new edition with the knowledge that prenatal education is even more valuable in helping pregnant women than Nancy and I had thought. New studies have shown that learning about pregnancy and childbirth increases satisfaction and participation for the pregnant woman and decreases her need for pain medication during labor. Learning about what is normal in her body relieves her worry and raises her expectations of a positive experience. New studies have shown that a mother's expectations tend to be fulfilled during labor. If she believes she will do well, she is more likely to have a positive birth experience. I hope that this book will give mothers a positive picture of pregnancy and childbirth, relieve worry, and help the mother and father fully experience the joys of this mysterious time. Since Nancy and I wrote the first edition of The Well Pregnancy Book, many things have changed in obstetrics. Prenatal tests have increased in sophistication, new studies have further elucidated which interventions are most helpful in prenatal care and in labor and delivery, and new treatments have emerged for both mother and baby. Perhaps the largest changes have taken place in the attitudes and preferences of the mother. Pregnant mothers are now more likely to give birth in a hospital with an obstetrician in attendance and more likely to use epidural anesthesia. In general, mothers are more interested in what can be done to reduce risks than to reduce technical interference. Mothers of today are less likely to be distrustful of medical authority than mothers at the height of the maternity p