This book is an excellent resource for women navigating the journey of pregnancy and motherhood, especially those who appreciate an honest and candid portrayal of the experience. It delves into both the highs and lows, the expected and unexpected aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and the early stages of parenthood.

The author does not shy away from discussing the physical and emotional challenges that can arise during this transformative period, offering readers a relatable and authentic perspective. It's a valuable companion for expectant mothers seeking reassurance, support, and a realistic understanding of what to expect as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

This book was a great eye opener for me as someone who wants to have children one day. I knew there were pregnancy complications but I like how the author explained everything that was easy for someone who doesn’t know to understand. I think my thing is that the story wasn’t as full and detailed as I think it should’ve been ? To me, it came off like some of the complications could’ve been avoided which I’m sure wasn’t the case but it read like that due to the way it was worded. If the author ever decided to write a more descriptive version, I would definitely read that too!

When Expecting Is Not What You Expected is an account of one woman’s experiences in pregnancy and it subsequent complications. Told as a warning of sorts to other would-be moms, Chantal Agapiti recounts her experiences with both her first and second pregnancies. She poses her recollections as a type of preparation for parenthood, as it was not what she was expecting.

I love reading memoirs and I did enjoy this very short telling of pregnancies. I think it can be beneficial for women to tell their stories, and for other women to know the possibilities of what can happen. I was however, a bit frustrated by the lack of technical terms used, as vague descriptions will not be helpful to readers trying to prepare for their own delivery experience (i.e. membrane sweep versus internal movements).

Chantal navigates hyperemesis gravidarum, something that I haven’t seen written about much, as well as preterm birth and difficulties breastfeeding. I ultimately wished this book were longer so we could get to know Chantal, her husband, and the totality of her experiences better than just scraping the surface. There is a level of intimacy presented, but it felt too short and unexplored to me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author Chantal Agapiti for an ARC of When Expecting Is Not What You Expected in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very eye opening book and it had me thinking a lot. It is sad, emotional, happy, and brave. I like the scenarios given, and I like how it was also a vulnerable book. It was good!