I have very mixed feelings about this book. I think the sections on embarrassing things that will happen to you was very good. Since it was written in 1995, the whole "how to dress" stuff was horribly out-dated. (I haven't seen leggings or a tiger print swim suit in a long time.) The part that really upset me was her whole philosophy on Doctors/midwives and the use of epidurals. They left the reader thinking that the RIGHT choice is to use a doctor, not a midwife. She says to get the epidural as soon as you enter the hospital, and not to even bother trying to go natural. She doesn't disclose that you are way more likely to have to have a cecarian if you have an epidural, nor does she acknowledge that all drugs DO go to your baby, which is why many hospital born babies end up in the ICU. She makes the reader think that you should be scared of birth unless you get the drugs. However, since she has never done birth w/o drugs, how would she know what its like? I would highly recommend the very funny, readable and informative books "lady's hands, lion's heart" by Carol Leonard or "Baby Catcher" by Peggy Vincent instead of this book. Then make your own INFORMED decision on your birth experience.

I loved this book. I read the whole thing in a couple of hours. Humorous and informational. I would definitely recommend this book!

One of the best books I read in my pregnancy. Its fun and contains many tips and things people dont tell you!

As soon as I read You Know You're Pregnant When. Reflections on the Longest Nine Months of My Life, I was on the search for other books about pregnancy that weren't so, well, depressing. I wanted humor and I got it! This is one of the best pregnancy book, by far, and it really gives you what you want--information about pregnancy without scaring you! Defintely pick this one up!

I bought this book, along with a lot of other pregnancy books, when I found out I was pregnant for the first time. This was BY FAR the best.

This book is not a medical or scientific or a "week by week" book about pregnancy; it is a woman-to-woman guide on what pregnancy is REALLY like - physically, mentally, emotionally. It is a completely honest and candid perspective on what women go through during those nine (or ten, as Iovine claims) months. And it is hilarious.

This is the book that I would read at the end of a long day when I was exhausted and hormonally-unstable; I would get in a warm bubble bath and take this book with me. It is the perfect way to relax and feel better, because you realize that you are not alone - all pregnant women have gone through the exact same thing. And it makes you laugh, which definitely makes you feel better.

My husband and I spent many a night reading this book out loud and laughing so hard we were crying. I found it funny mostly because it was so true.

I have recommended and/or given this book to all of my pregnant friends!

My sister-in-law gave me this book to read when I was pregnant. It is very funny! Its the "everything you need to know about pregnancy that no one will tell you" book. Just what someone with fatigue, gas, swollen ankles and a squished bladder needs! Relax, put your feet up and enjoy this great, light-hearted book.

This is a comical and informative girlfriend type of guide to pregnancy. Whereas other books might put you to sleep, this one actually entertains. I certaintly would still encourage purchasing one of the sleepy medical based books too though. Sometimes I would even read this book while I was not feeling well and for a moment here and there it would actually distract me from my misery. As long you have a good sense of humor and aren't easily offended, then you'll be happy you purchased this book. Most of all, it is fun.

I found the tone of this book to be a bit too "freak out" for my tastes. She uses exaggeration for comic effect, but in this case, when you're going into pregnancy for the first time, not knowing what to expect, it is hard to separate exaggeration from reality. For example, the weight gain. I was seeing myself becoming the stay-puffed marshmallow woman after reading this book-- not just during pregnancy but afterwards too. Maybe the idea is that if you can make peace with that, you will be okay for whatever happens... But she's the same way about sagging this and gaping that... Anyway, if you want a real in-your-face "you'll never be the same again" perspective to prepare you for anything, this book will give it to you.

I am giving this book 3 stars because she did help me through the first trimester cramping-- I was worried that they meant the pregnancy was going to end until I read her book (she makes a point of saying not to worry about those, as she had worried about them a lot). She also gives a good discussion of her genetic testing experiences/choices.

This was given to me as a gift during my pregnancy, and is now the number one thing I recommend to pregnant women! It was informative AND made me laugh out-loud. I also bought "What to Expect..." but I don't like the question-answer format as well as the chapter segments in "Girlfriend's Guide." Great, great book.

My wife was given this book early in her pregnancy. I know many reviewers say that you need to have a sense of humor to appreciate this book, but this book was not that funny and did nothing to "guide" us through our pregnancy. All it did was scare my wife by talking about all the bad things about being pregnant. This is a good book to read if you don't want to get pregnant or are jealous of those that are.

This is an easy read and kept me laughing out loud! My husband had to endure my reading every other sentence out loud to him because I thought it was so funny or so true to what I was going through. The author hits on every possible thing that could happen to you during pregnancy. Although it isn't meant to be a medical explanation of what's going on, this was the only book I ever read that mentioned low back pain/pressure as a problem in early pregnancy. I experienced a lot of that in my first few weeks and it was so reassuring to know it didn't mean I was miscarrying since the author experienced it and went on to have healthy babies. It's a wonderful book to read in between all that technical medical stuff from the other books.

As a first-time mom, I found this book both funny and helpful to "ease" into what was to come! For excrutiating, detailed, pregnancy play-by-play, search for a "medical" book. I did not want information overload and an exhaustive list of things that could possibly go wrong to obsess over. This was perfect for me to be able to ask follow up questions of my doctor where I was concerned or wanted to know more.

Thank you, thank you for Girlfriends! I love this book. It's not only a fun read, but it reassures preggars that its o.k. to feel the way you feel and look the way you look. If you're super-sensitive about being pregnant and don't want to hear about what really happens to your body; don't read this. Stick to the "What to Expect" books. I don't know why the low ratings--either these folks take themselves too seriously or don't have any girlfriends!

I picked up this book hoping for some frank, no-nonsense advice on pregnancy, since many of the books for pregnant women are condescending or mince words. Much to my disappointment, this book was far more of an insult to my intelligence than any I've run across before or since. The chapter on exercise started from the assumption that the only reason non-pregnant women exercise is to get thin, so you should "let go of your body image issues" and "give yourself a break" during pregnancy. Then of course, she goes on to grouse about all her terrible symptoms, most of which (swollen ankles, hemrrhoids, spider veins, etc.) are proven to be lessened by exercise. Nearly the entire focus of this book was on looks and clothes, and she even dismisses home birth because "why in the world would you want to sacrifice your beautiful sheets?" This book is the intellectual equivalent of "Sex in the City."

Then again, it shouldn't be surprising that Iovine takes no responsibility for her own pregnancy, considering that she also insists that women "go for the traditional hospital birth with a godlike medical doctor," saying "remember, we are creatures of popular culture; we revere doctors as if they were the heroes and heroines we grew up watching on TV." For me, that sums up this book. If you want the advice of a woman who gets most of her information from television sitcoms, this is the book for you.

This book had such potential to be really really great and fun to read. That is until the writer started adding all of her thoughtless, judgemental opinions. I didn't buy this book to feel judged and sneered at. I couldnt believe how judgemental she was on nursing, natural childbirth, unmarried mothers, etc. Maybe someone should tell this ex playboy bunny that her breasts are actually for nursing and not to be used to exploit herself only to write a mindless book once the flash bulbs are burnt out. I also felt like this book should have been published in 1950 based on all the time spent on making excuses for husbands who arent interested in you because of how "huge" you get. I dont have any girlfriends who are this unaware, so there for this is not my guide to pregnancy.

My husband and I are excitedly looking at the possibility of starting a family. Unfortunately, this is the first book I read in preparation. It started out pretty funny, amusing even. The author is witty and refreshing initially, but after a while, her advice seems jaded, almost bitter. I felt like she was trying too hard to be funny and in doing so, concentrated on the negative aspects of pregnancy. Having not been pregnant before, I was seriously distressed to read that, according to her, you would get fat, have terrible gas, and basically be miserable for 10 months.

The more I read, the more depressed I became. I finally had to put the book down and seek a reliable source - my mother (who ordered me to stop reading it at once!) If you are thinking of having a baby, I recommend you do the same.

First, Iovine dedicates an entire chapter to why you should not exercise during your pregnancy. She is WRONG!! Please, read the book, "Exercising Through your Pregnancy." A myriad of well-designed scientific studies have proven that exercise is not only NOT HARMFUL, but BENEFICIAL for both Mom & baby. (Not that Iovine cares about science...)

Second, she jokes about it not bringing a couple closer together. That was not my experience.
Lastly, she discusses an OB manually extracting the placenta. YOUR OB SHOULD NOT DO THIS! It is DANGEROUS! Educate yourself & don't waste time with this book. (See "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" for all the real facts on stupid OB procedures.)

Funny stuff! A good book to read when you need a break from all the serious and sometimes scary medical type pregnancy books - a healthy dose of laughter and a sense that you are not going through this alone - that others just like you have gone before and had the same fears that needed soothing....Vicky tells it like it is, with a hilarious twist that reminds you to relax, this will all be over soon and just enjoy the ride.

I loved this book! Vicki Iovine's writing style makes this book a great, fast read. I found it very hard to put down. Basically, she wants to give you information that, for the most part, isn't going to come from your doctor...you know, the stuff your friends ("Girlfriends") and family tell you to expect. And, let me tell you, so much of what she says is either something you've experienced, something you've thought about during prenancy, or something you've worried about, even if it hasn't happened to you.

I know many reviewers have commented on her advice in this book to "not exercise." I, too, was initially confused and a little concerned about that section of the book. Although I do think this is the one section that could be re-written a bit, because it does initially have that "tone" to it, what Vicki Iovine does end up saying is don't over-excerise, e.g., this isn't the time to train for a triathalon. She mentions that she ended up having some very potential serious problems with one or two of her pregnancies due to the fact that she was doing hardcore weight training during her pregnancy. She does say that walking, jogging (I think), swimming, and yoga are all good, but don't push yourself, and don't overdue it.

I would definitely recommend this book to other expectant mothers. It's a great read!

This is a great book, and a I disagree with the reviews that claim you have to live in Malibu and have actress friends to like this book. I live in a small town, and everyone I know loved this book. I read this book during my first pregnancy 11 years ago and it made me laugh and feel better, I read it during my second pregnancy 3 years ago, and I am now on my third pregnancy and I am reading it again. This is a great book for anyone who is down to earth and not afraid to laugh at yourself. Yes the fashion tips our a little outdate, but you should be able to get some humor out of what the fashion was 15 years ago. If you are looking for fashion advice I suggest picking up a current Pregnancy Magazine.

You laugh, you cry, you go yuck and then it happens to you and you think oh she told me that might happen... The girlfriend's guide to pregnancy is a hoot! It made my first pregnancy less scary and made me realize that strange stuff happens when you body has been invaded by an alien. I loved it and I recommend this book to anyone who is pregnat for the first time.

This is a perfect book to go along with all those serious what to expect books. It provides a humorous look into one woman's experiences with pregnancy.

Like other reviewers have said, I didn't necessarily agree with all of her advice (though I did take her up on the water aerobics idea, it was wonderful), she never preaches or attempts to pursuade the reader that this is the end-all be-all of pregnancy books.

Remember, no two women have the exact same pregnancy. Everyone's is different. If you still love your body and don't mind feeling like a beached whale, ignore her discussions of body image. But if you were like me and just was looking for something that said "it's okay to feel fat right now" this is a great read.

I also recommend "Pregnancy for Dummies".

i read this while i was pregnant and i found it to be outdated and annoying. put it this way, i LOVE to read, and very rarely dislike a book. i threw this one in the recycling bin!

I originally read this book ten years ago when I was pregnant. Being an avid reader, I read EVERY "guide" to pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. Some of these books were so serious and intimidating at times. But, THE GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO PREGNANCY was a lighter and more enjoyable read for me. It was no doubt very informative, but the author put such humor and reality into it, making it my favorite book at the time. Now, one of my girlfriends is pregnant, I bought it for her along with THE GIRLFRIENDS' GUIDE TO THE FIRST YEAR. Ten years later, this book still holds its weight.

Good Book for a newly pregnant mom to be, but took way to long to recieve this item, didn'tget the book til weeks after ordering, but was billed immediately

You have to buy this (and the baby bargains book!) for your girlfriend who's just told you she's expecting her first baby (don't bother if she's already had kids). It's hilarious, entertaining and informative. Definitely something to read while your pregnant, you won't have the time to read much once the baby is there (or you focus on the more advice heavy books).

This was really just 18 chapters worth of the author whining about how uncomfortable her four (!) pregnancies were, and giving all other pregnant women permission to whine and moan our way through our respective pregnancies, too. I was especially bothered by how the author goes on and on discouraging exercise and portion control, justifying this by saying that she gained "a lot" of weight and then lost it, blah, blah, blah. Later in the book, she reveals that she gained about 35 lbs with each pregnancy. The recommended weight gain for an average size (more on that later) woman is 25-35 lbs, last I checked. So this was within normal limits. So why is the author acting as though she packed on 70 lbs? Further, I think the author needs just ONE MORE reference to her dismay at not fitting into her size 4 clothes during pregnancy. Size 4? Seriously? Let's rub that into the faces of all of the average-sized women out there reading your book. I was very disappointed in this book and saw it as a combination of the granting of permission to whine, as well as making women feel even worse about themselves in a backhanded way, through the authors multiple references to her size-4 self.

This book is a must for all first time pregnant girlfriends! It is hilarious and a great opportunity for the Mom and Dad to read and learn together. It was a really fun way to share with my husband about the whole body and mind experiences that went along with being pregnant. For example when she explained bodily function happenings, my hubby could then understand that all pregnant women went through these things and I wasn't just his crazy pregnant wife!

Anyway, if you've read the book, my kids are pre-teens but I still use a "Phil"!!!!

when i started reading this i enjoyed it, the author was frank and honest about her experiences. further into the book I realized she often contradicts herself and having done some research of my own I'm led to believe she didn't do any research herself. this was not the practical and humorous guide I had hoped for.
Some reviews say that she does not discourage exercise and I wonder are they reading the same book as me? "4.Exercise Will Not Help You in Labor or Delivery in Any Way"(pg 103) explains her stance pretty clearly against exercise and later on pg 106 she writes "I won't exercise either, just in case [its dangerous to her baby]." Now from what I've read and what my doctors have told me exercise is good for you and the baby, of course don't over do it but overdoing it is different for everyone.
The author can be very pessimistic and a bit superficial and her attitude about sex is a little daunting..."Loving as my husband is, I knew there came a point when having sex with me was more a mercy mission than an act of passion--not that I cared at the time"(pg123) with her stories of friend's husbands who suddenly saw them as a motherly figure and not a sexy woman it can make anyone feel unsexy and unsure of their body image.


to the high reviewers out there: What book were you reading?

I have read so many books that I felt my eyes would cross. When I came across this little gem I was able to get the facts with some humor. It felt like sitting with a girlfriend over some lunch and truly getting to the nitty gritty. A must have for anyone!!!!

I had someone recommend this book to me, and I was very glad she told me about it! It is humorous and informative at the same time. I read both this book and What to Expect When You're Expecting while I was pregnant. I got different information from the 2 books, and this one was written in a more light-hearted tone so easier to read. It was helpful to me and gave me a few laughs as well!

SHOW OF HANDS LADIES! Is anyone here NOT aware that pregnancy might cause you to fart excessively? To possibly feel mood swings? To gain weight and feel bloated? Does anyone here NOT realize that photos of pregnant celebrities looking "fabulous" might possibly be airbrushed? Do we really all compare ourselves to famous pregos and end up feeling self-loathing?

Anyone here have a husband/boyfriend who only values us for our skinny, nonpregnant bodies? Who is completely insensitive?

If you live in a cave and aren't aware what pregnancy is "really" like by now, or if your baby's daddy is a complete jerk, then this book is for you.

All sarcasm aside, this book is a complete waste of time. The humor is the usual cliches. Nothing "fresh" about it. The author's opinions are offensive, especially her feelings towards unmedicated birth. I wonder who she had to bribe or bully to get her book on t.v. being read by pregnant Rachel on "Friends".

Amusing book to read. This is my first pregnancy and this book was recommended to me. I don't necessarily agree with everything the author says, but it is still a very informative book.

As a mother of three, and a childbirth educator, I can't tell you how important it is to be able to laugh during pregnancy. After all, the process of pregnancy really gives us a run for our money! I read the book during my first two pregnancies...reminding myself I was not alone as each month, and accompanying symptoms challenged my sense of comfort and self.

My husband and I still laugh to this day, when we recall our introduction to the concept of "The Titty Fairy"! Boy, does Iovine know how to call it like it is...

The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy is the funniest pregno book ever written. Period. It will make you weep with laughter. Depending on how many pregnancies you've endured it may make you pee with laughter. Even if you've never been pregnant you will laugh out loud many times. A must-have when the unbearable seriousness of your pregnancy instruction manuals becomes too much to bear. As an added bonus, the fashion tips are useable!

I loved this book. Sure, the author has some opinions, but she's upfront about them and lets you know you're free to disagree. For 98% of the book, she was absolutely on target and really made me feel like I'm normal! This is the only pregnancy book I've found that leaves aside the medical stuff - which you can get any of a thousand other books, or from your doctor - and actually deals with your life as a pregnant woman.

I was very dissapointed with this book for several reasons. First, the author went on and on and on about how awful her morning sickness was and proceeds to give advice about what to do to make things better. At the end of the chapter she briefly mentions that she only threw up 2 times! For us mothers-to-be that have truly suffered morning sickness(and have thrown up two times in any good day!), I did not appreciate advice or whining from a woman that threw up only twice during her entire pregnancy. Second, it seems that she condones laying around and keeping exercise to a minimum, but at the same time promotes stuffing your face. What kind of advice is that? Finally, I was very dissapointed in the chapter devoted to sex. She makes it seem like all pregnant women should want to have sex all the time, which really made me feel like there was something wrong with me! Overall, I felt the book was a one-sided opinion piece which doesn't make much sense as a "guide." For those on the fence about whether to buy, I'd reccomend "What to Expect When You're Expecting" as a good guidebook or "Belly Laughs" for a light, funny read.

This book was a fantastic read. Not only did it cover many of my questions and concerns about what to expect or why I was feeling certain ways it answered many of my husbands unasked questions about his now pregnant wife. I would recommend this book to any woman pregnant for the first time and will be buying it for friends as they start having kids.

I love this book! as a first time mom this is just what i needed to hear. the book is very realistic and it is like you are talking to a girlfriend. if you are considering buying this book to do and if you are considering buying it for your pregnant friend she would love it!

I LOVE this book! I have a bunch of the Girlfriends' Guides, but this is the first I am reading (since pregnancy comes before kids). Vicki has a great approach, and is just hilarious! I also managed to learn a few things I hadn't read in any other books. A great read!

My girlfriend gave me this book when I first found out I was pregnant (back in May). . .
Unlike other pregnancy books that are too graphically overkill on information, this gives a comic relief that is MUCH needed w/the rush of hormones at this time. Yes, it covers topics that you would never think of (if you've never been pregnant) - like sex, hemorrhoids, gas, etc. and brings a humorous light to otherwise gross topics.

I read several other pregnancy books during my pregnancy, and was totally overwhelmed by all the textbook-y information that was in those books! I would definitely recommend this book - and give as a gift to any first-time pregnant mommy!

I found this book funny and fresh, but I was disappointed that I actually bought this new. It would've been a better candidate for a library check out because it just makes you laugh and isn't used for reference. Even though I did enjoy reading it early in my pregnancy, I don't see myself going back and reading it again. A real eye-opener!

I was pregnant over 2 years ago and as I begin the journey again the only book I need is the Girl Friend's Guide to Pregnancy. I always recommend this book to my own girl friends (stay away from 'What to Expect' - too intense). The Girl Friend's Guide is written from one friend to another, it is not a medical book, so you should take it that way. Vicky is like an honest girl friend who tells you about the REAL deal with pregnancy (gas, swollen feet, heart burn, etc).

A lot of the review about this book are very hard on the author. From page one she tells you she is not a doctor, and to check with your doctor before you follow any of her "opinions". This book is just written as a long conversation that could take place in any circle of friends. I agree if you live in the Bible belt and have been raised by a holy-high-roller you might find it offensive, you'd also not like this statement but it's true. The information we not complied at Harvard and has not been evaluated by the FDA. This is one person telling what her and her friends think about being pregnant. I am a size 20 pre-pregnancy and baby weight, weather it is all in your head cause you did not gain a pound this week, is hard on you. Im not thinking about a C-section but then again I have not had any children before. Ive known many people who think being pregnant is the best thing on earth till they do it once and then decide that having an only child is not as bad as they once thought. This book is a very easy read that is meant to be taken with a grain of salt and humor. I read the entire thing to my husband and we had many a good laugh and it sparked conversation about many things. Ive enjoyed it and will give it to friends. I am not from Beverly Hills nor do I have tons of money and a running Botox appt. as some assume you must to like this book. I am a Christian teacher from a very small town, USA. Hope that helps and hey 9(10) months are soon over and you will have a whole life time to decide how "you" felt about the whole thing and what to tell your friends.

I don't recommend this book. The discussion about weight loss was total crap, because I know a few people who have returned at least close to their pre-pregnancy weight within 6 months of having a baby. The more I read the less I liked it. Don't bother!

I agree that people are over-reacting about several topics in this book. I'm sorry, but it's nice to read that other people have realistic feelings about pregnancy and childbirth. It's not all roses, and Vicki shows us the humor in that.

Vicki is the ultimate "girlfriend" and we should all strive to be like her. She doesn't judge people for the decisions they make about pregnancy and childbirth; she tells us her story. Sometimes it's nice to hear other's stories even if you don't agree with their decisions. Quit judging! It only gets worse after the baby is born and you're stuck in a world of competitive mothering. If we would all just support each other and learn to laugh at our differences, the world would be a happier place.

As far as Vicki being against excersize; I didn't agree either. I think pregnant women should excersize with their doctor's permission. Am I going to judge Vicki for not wanting to? Not in the least; it's her decsion. I'm assuming she's in her forties and she looks fabulous. Clearly the nine months of excersize she missed out on during her pregnancies didn't kill her. Who are we to judge?

Bottom line- in a world full of pregnancy books written to scare you this was a nice refreshing read. It makes you feel more human and helps you to laugh at some of the side-effects of pregnancy. You may not agree with all of Vicki's opinions, but I'm sure she's still willing to be your "girlfriend." She's a mother of four; she knows what she's talking about. And we should listen.

Just found out that I am pregnant and already had the book just in case. I have a whole pile of pregnancy books (given to me by my sister-in-law) and this is the most helpful one. I have some symptoms that I was uneasy about and thought it meant something was wrong. I am only 4 weeks along. This book reassured me that the symptoms are normal. Gives me hope before my first doctors appointment in a month. It is also humorous and good for a laugh and the hubby should read some of it too. I think I will try highlighting somethings in the book for him.

I found this book very offensive as it is extremely negative about natural childbirth and suggests that anyone who wants to experience an unmedicated childbirth must be nuts. There are also very negative comments about home birth as well. This book is not recommended for anyone who believes that pregnancy and childbirth are a normal, natural part of a woman's physiology. We are build to do this, it is beautiful and without fear, the pain is quite manageable.

After having three kids, I've shared lots of stories with my own girlfriends, and this book is a valued resource. Without being overly medical, it tells you how it "really is" to be pregnant and give birth. A great gift for first-time moms.

This book is awesome. It's realistic, funny, easy to read, and written by someone that understands how women talk to one another about pregnancy & motherhood (rather than being stale or alarmist). I would recommend this book along with a more structured book such as Your Pregnancyc Month by Month. They were both great.