When I was pregnant my insurance company actually sent me this book--I never would have spent anything for it. The male author of this book adopts a condescending tone that, as an intelligent woman looking for information, I resented. He medicalizes birth, and ignores the need for empowerment of women in an arena that belongs to us. Not a single mention of current trends in childbirth such as birth centers, water birth, midwives, doulas (or, heaven forbid a HOME BIRTH!!)...If you are looking to be empowered with knowledge for a rewarding pregnancy and childbirth experience, I recommend anything by Penny Simkin or Sheila Kitzinger. (the authors my midwive recommended to me)