I was asked about this book by a friend who was considering buying it during her fourth pregnancy. Obviously havng already gone through three pregnancies (with some complications such as gestational diabetes) and three natural childbirths, I didn't think there could be much for her left to learn. How wrong I was!

I ended up buying it for her as a gift before the publisher authorised my Netgalley copy and started to look through it. I couldn't stop reading though!!

Very easy to read, with diagrams, simple explanations and dealing with everything you don't know so don't know to ask about, I wish I'd had it before I gave birth 19 years ago. It has the feel of sitting down with your mum friends and having a good old, long and often humorous chat, over our changing bodies, pregnancy stories, birth and post birth stories. The best part about the book was the knowledge that you're not the only one feeling or going through such changes.

Lots of information about pregnancy stages, changes to expect, how to cope with pain or discomfort; how to prepare your mind and body (and your partner) for birth and parenthood. Plus what to expect physically after the birth in both the short and long term and things you can do to help healing and recovery.

What I liked best were the real stories and comments throughout. I'd recommend this book to anyone thinking of having a baby, especially first time. As I said I wish 'I'd had this before I had mine. Would make a good gift, especially from mums to daughters if mum is uncomfortable talking about such things - might even become an icebreaker.

Definitely an experience and an excellent read, really enjoyed this book. I think its an important book that all new mothers, expecting and those wanting to be mothers soon should read, invest in a copy, I highly doubt you will regret it.
I certainly haven't.

Many thanks to Netgalley, publishers and Emma Brockwell for my free ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed it and have provided my honest review, in return, all opinions are my own.

Why Did No One Tell Me? An important book that all women should read, have seen it recommend everywhere,
5 stars

This book was really useful. I'm reviewing this postnatally and am wishing I'd read it when I was pregnant. There were lots of conditions and scenarios that I wasn't aware of and even though for the most part I haven't experienced them, if you read this book in advance you'd have an idea of what something may be. I had a C Section - I thought the chapters on this were very well written.