summary ofExpecting BetterBook by Emily Oster, PhD

first KEY POINT

No woman is left alone during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a momentous chapter in a woman's life, where every choice feels like a huge decision. It's a time when advice and guidance come from everywhere, often overwhelming new mothers.For every new life stage, knowledge becomes an essential asset that helps navigate the onset of challenges. And it's precisely this wisdom that Emily Oster has set out to share with us. She challenges the common knowledge about pregnancy and proves it's not a one-size-fits-all experience.

Pregnancy advice has long been shrouded in myth and superstition, leaving expectant mothers to wonder what's safe and what's not. Armed with the power of data and evidence, Oster dismantles these myths one by one. She empowers us to make informed decisions while allowing women to regain control over their bodies. Unfortunately, society still takes childbearing and the subsequent physical and mental changes for granted, leaving women to handle them alone.

However, bearing a child is a unique experience, full of individual circumstances, desires, and priorities. There is no one right path and no universal set of rules. Oster encourages future mothers to balance risks and benefits and make choices that align with their values. From caffeine consumption to prenatal testing, she provides the clarity and transparency needed to make decisions that resonate individually.So, let's start this sprint with an open heart and a curious mind. After all, it can't be scarier than giving birth, right? Let’s find out!