Common Sense Pregnancy by Jeanne Faulkner Summary

Common Sense Pregnancy is a comprehensive guide covering conception through postpartum, offering practical, no-nonsense advice for expectant mothers. Jeanne Faulkner, a labor nurse and mother of four, emphasizes trusting instincts, evidence-based care, and avoiding unnecessary medical interventions. Topics include prenatal testing, labor preparation, nutrition, and postpartum recovery, all delivered in a calm, jargon-free tone.

This book is ideal for first-time mothers seeking straightforward guidance, women preferring a balanced approach between natural and medical care, and anyone overwhelmed by conflicting pregnancy advice. It’s also valuable for those wanting to understand prenatal tests, labor options, and postpartum strategies without fear-based messaging.

Yes—its combination of medical expertise (Faulkner’s 30+ years as a nurse) and relatable mom-to-mom advice makes it a standout. Readers praise its focus on informed decision-making, stress reduction, and debunking common pregnancy myths. The book’s structured yet flexible approach appeals to diverse birthing preferences.

Faulkner differentiates between essential tests (e.g., genetic screenings, ultrasounds) and optional ones, empowering readers to make informed choices. She advises avoiding unnecessary procedures unless medically indicated, emphasizing personalized care over routine protocols.

It cautions against elective inductions without medical cause, advocating for natural labor onset when possible. Faulkner explains risks like increased C-section likelihood and promotes patience unless health concerns arise.

The book offers practical strategies for physical recovery (e.g., healing after tearing), emotional health, and newborn care. It highlights warning signs for complications and stresses the importance of support systems during the “fourth trimester”.

While no rigid meal plans are provided, Faulkner emphasizes balanced nutrition, key nutrients (folic acid, iron), and avoiding overly restrictive diets. She debunks “eating for two” myths and addresses common issues like nausea management.

It guides readers in outlining preferences for pain management, labor positions, and intervention thresholds. Faulkner advises clear communication with healthcare providers and flexibility if complications arise.

Some readers may find its direct tone overly dismissive of alternative viewpoints (e.g., holistic remedies). Others note it focuses more on hospital births than home-birth options, reflecting Faulkner’s clinical background.

Her decades in labor/delivery units provide real-world insights into hospital protocols, patient advocacy, and managing complications. Stories from her nursing career illustrate key points, adding credibility.

She frames pregnancy as a “team sport,” stressing collaboration with providers, and compares unnecessary interventions to “fixing what isn’t broken.” The “fourth trimester” concept underscores postpartum as a critical recovery phase.

While both cover pregnancy basics, Common Sense Pregnancy prioritizes simplifying choices over exhaustive lists. Faulkner’s nurse-mom perspective offers more actionable advice on navigating healthcare systems, making it ideal for readers seeking clarity over encyclopedic detail.