I visited my friend and her beautiful newborn girl this weekend, and we were talking about how a lot of the pregnancy books we read when we were expecting freaked us out. These books definitely gave you the facts, but when you are already nervous about your first pregnancy (not too mention incredibly hormonal) it's easy to get overwhelmed by the technical facts and what-if scenarios that form in your head.
The only one that was different from the pack, in my book, was The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine. This book is one of many I was lucky enough to receive during my pregnancy, but I think it was the best. I received it as a gift from my sister-in-law, who highly recommended it and says it was the best pregnancy book she read.
This book gave you the facts, but through the eyes of a seasoned mom of four. She told you the "real deal" when it came to pregnancy and brings up the issues that even your closest friends may not even tell you about. She gives you the information in a way that is truly honest as well as entertaining. She has great advice and makes you realize that you are not alone in the thoughts and experiences you are having -- and isn't that part of what girlfriends are there for, anyway?