There’s something uniquely comforting about turning the pages of a good book while curled up on the sofa with a cup of tea. Add the fact that you’re expecting into the mix, and reading can serve as a calming, anchoring beacon during a time of transition.

Pregnancy brings with it hundreds of tiny moments of waiting. Your body and mind are trying to make sense of all of the changes happening now and the changes yet to come – both physical and existential. Amongst all of that, books can offer perspective, humour, calm, and even clarity.

We’ve put together a list of the best books to read when pregnant… and don’t worry, it’s not all pregnancy non-fiction! They’re mixed in with light fiction and familiar classics that are great for when your brain needs distraction or reflection.

1. Expecting Better by Emily Oster

Let’s kick off with a book that many find genuinely empowering! Expecting Better is written by economist Emily Oster, who approaches pregnancy decisions (from eating sushi to opting for epidurals) with a data-driven lens.

This book feels like talking to a friend who’s done their homework. Oster’s tone is calm and non-judgemental; she’s created one of those books that can genuinely change how you feel about the whole experience of pregnancy: less fear, more facts.

2. Like a Mother by Angela Garbes

If you’re in the mood for candid personal essays and cultural critiques, Garbes’ book about pregnancy and motherhood will hit the spot. Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy is rigorously researched, but won’t make you feel like you’re reading an academic paper.

Garbes explores what she didn’t know going into pregnancy, including the science of breast milk and the history of midwifery. Many pregnant readers say that compared to other books on the topic, Like a Mother isn’t at all patronising, but instead is genuinely intelligent and helpful.

3. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Want to think about anything but pregnancy? This is your perfect escape. A charming fantasy about found family and soft-hearted people doing brave things, Klune’s novel is filled with a warmth that breathes in slowly. Not cloying, but kind – an ideal read for a tired day when you just want to believe in something good again.

4. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry

Far from a parenting manual, Perry’s book is more about emotional awareness and the generational patterns we either carry with us or choose to unlearn. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) is a gentle and wise read that constructively talks about parental attitudes and how these shape family dynamics.

It’s one to read slowly and perhaps return to after the baby arrives.

5. Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

If your brain is too fried for a plot twist but still craves some great writing, this is the one for you. A modern family drama set in Brooklyn, Pineapple Street is an entertaining novel that explores class, privilege, and eccentric family dynamics. 

It’s the perfect kind of fiction to dip in and out of between naps and appointments.

6. The Twits by Roald Dahl

OK, so The Twits might not seem like an obvious choice for a pregnancy reading list, but hear us out. Sometimes, the best books to read when pregnant are the ones that reconnect us with who we were – before we got all grown up and our lives started to change. 

There’s a real magic in revisiting childhood classics as you prepare for parenthood. Roald Dahl’s writing here is wicked and oddly profound; beneath the pranks and nonsense is a story about kindness and not letting bitterness take root. Plus, it’s all wrapped in Dahl’s unmistakable dark humour for when you need a good laugh. 

A great antidote to a long day and a lovely way to dip into nostalgia.

Read our full review of The Twits here.

7. Little Weirds by Jenny Slate

Jenny Slate, known best for her acting and comedy (like in Parks & Rec), brought her quirky, whimsical reflections to the page in this debut collection of essays. Her observations are short, sharp, and joyfully odd, making it a fantastic read for days when your thoughts feel heavy or scattered.

Slate talks to ghosts, loves pastries too much, and explores the ‘identity suits’ she’s put on throughout her life. It’s not a pregnancy book at all, which is exactly why it’s so perfect. It’s a pocket of poetry and silliness when you need it.

8. Bringing up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman

This book is to be read with a pinch of salt and a glass of juice, offering a lighthearted cultural exploration of “the wisdom of French parenting.”

Druckerman’s tone is breezy and observational, not telling you what to do but instead gently challenging how you think about things like sleep, food, and independence. 

9. The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono

We reviewed this previously and couldn’t help but include it here. The quiet, poetic tale by Giono feels especially resonant during pregnancy – a time when you might find yourself thinking more about legacy and the kind of world you’re bringing a child into.

The Man Who Planted Trees is a short but powerful story of one man’s consistent, dedicated acts of care; a shepherd who plants acorns across a desolate landscape for decades.

This is a nicely short book that speaks deeply to the power of steady intention. During pregnancy, when you’re holding space for a future you can’t yet see, it offers a calm kind of perspective about nurturing hope.

10. Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood—and Trusting Yourself and Your Body by Erica Chidi Cohen

Talking of nurturing… if you’re looking for a pregnancy guide that feels insightful and genuinely reassuring, this is a gentle standout. Written by doula and co-founder of LOOM, Erica Chidi Cohen, Nurture offers a holistic view of the pregnancy journey, from physical to emotional shifts and everything in between, and encourages deep self-trust throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Why reading during pregnancy matters

Pregnancy is a time of immense change, both visible and invisible. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re in a liminal space of waiting and wondering… while still having to attend medical appointments and get on with day-to-day life. 

Of course, books don’t solve this, but they can offer precious respite amongst the chaos. Whether it’s advice, reassurance, perspective, or pure escapism you need, you can turn to books.

Think of reading as a nourishing act of self-care right now. You deserve it!

More recommendations

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