"Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth" by Jenny McCarthy

Jenny's pregnancy wasn't.... pretty - and she wants to tell everyone all about it! From the get-go she tells us "If you bought this book, you are already aware of my frankness when it comes to certain things—anatomy and bodily functions among them. If someone gave this book to you as a gift and you've never heard of me, apologies to you!"

She goes on to talk about the nitty-gritty of pregnancy in all its not-so-pleasant detail, covering morning sickness, hormonal rage, cravings, hemorrhoids, "engorged" breasts, gas, hot flashes, fainting spells, brain farts, weight gain, spider veins, emotional rollercoasters, acne, water retention and of course, labor.

Jenny is undeniably ridiculous but down right hilarious, and her openness and self-deprecation are refreshing. Each brief chapter focuses on a different (and awful) part of pregnancy, with her relating personal memories and usually winding down by reassuring women they're not alone. Her tales are, for the most part, a "hoot", though they may offend more uptight people. For example, in the beginning of McCarthy's pregnancy, she was constipated, so she visited a specialist (she'll tell you aaalllll about specialists). In the waiting room, the assistant called her name, and "everyone... looked up in surprise, and I knew what they were thinking: 'Jenny McCarthy has butt hole problems?' I was so embarrassed, until I realized that they had no right to be smirking: Those assholes were also there because of their own assholes. I felt better already."

Now I don't say use this book for medical advice, but it was nice to read (laughs and tears) that she went through the same crappy morning sickness as I'm going through, and she doesn't sensor anything! And I know now not to listen to my body, not see specialists unless told by your doctor, and not to go get my hair blown out and done up when I start having contractions!

Later I'll get the next one: Baby Laughs: The Naked Truth About the First Year of Mommyhood