[.ca] Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth (ISBN 0738210072)

Entertainment, not serious advice:
Hilariously funny at times but also somewhat disappointing. If you'd like some light entertainment and a bit of a laugh over the more humorous aspects of pregnancy, by all means read this. But if you're looking for something factual and seriously informative, don't bother. It does address "all those other things about pregnancy that no one else dares too" (actually, there are quite a few that do, the author obviously didn't look around widely enough) but only in a humorous and lighthearted manner. A lot of the problems that Jenny experienced were really more due to her focus on her own comfort (I think someone else in these reviews mentioned this too) - her critique of a healthy diet, while entertaining, certainly isn't conducive to a healthy pregnancy or optimal fetal development. Likewise her belief that NOT breastfeeding is OK. Sorry Jenny, there's more than enough research that proves you completely wrong on this one. The other thing in the book that really got my goat was a funny little bit she wrote on jumping into a hot tub just after she'd discovered she was pregnant. Some older lady in there started screaming at her to get out, she was cooking the baby, blah blah. Jenny then goes on to say she discovered it's OK to jump into hot tubs etc etc. Really funny writing, but BAD ADVICE. Hots Tubs/ Sauna's etc in early pregnancy may apparently affect neural tube development in the fetus early on - read "What's Going on in There?: How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life" by Lise Eliot for some REAL factual information rather than the infotainment in this book. I could go on and on critiquing details but I won't waste your time (or mine). Overall, I was entertained but I wasn't informed. I can't say that expected more from Jenny as I'd never heard of her before I read the book. I did enjoy it but I didn't (and wouldn't) take the content seriously. That said, by all means read it for the humor. She is funny and she had me cracking up laughing time after time. But don't take the content as serious advice.

The best pregnancy book!:
I recommend this book to every pregnant woman out there. Most books about pregnancy just scare you with all the things that can go wrong. This book is funny and refreshing and makes you realize you should be enjoying pregnancy (and all the crazy things that come with it) instead of worrying. It's a happy time so read a happy book!

Picky reader:
For a picky reader with no patience for boring books, I couldnt put this one down. Its an easy-read, and just plain helarious! I'm planning on becoming pregnant soon so as a woman seeking an easygoing, informative read, this book did the trick. You dont feel scared or put-down after reading it, just empathetic and enlightened. Did I mention that Jenny's quite a treat, you're guarenteed a laugh-and-a-half!! It's not at all medical information, but the surface to every pregnancy problem is touched.

Entertaining, but nothing special.:
Let me begin this by saying that I've always found Jenny McCarthy funny. That aside, this book could have been so much better. Yes, it's refreshing to see a pregnancy book that discusses topics conveniently left out of most others. It just seemed like she threw the entire thing together in an afternoon. Or less. As I read each chapter, I kept hoping she would have written more or expanded on her experience. Overall, it was very disappointing. I expected much more from her. Maybe the next one will be better.

Belly Laughs if Full of Laughs:
I would start by saying the only negative thing is that the book isn't that long. I read it in one sitting at the park. McCarthy does an excellent job of telling it like it is and not holding back. If you're pregnant, considering it, a parent and are looking to laugh out loud this book is for you.