Examines the emotional terrain of impending motherhood as the author documents her own pregnancy and those of other first-time mothers by delving into a wealth of issues and beliefs surrounding pregnancy and motherhood in America today.

With new afterword. First published in hardcover: 2001.

Pt. 1. Pregnancy -- First month : discovery -- Second month : experts -- Third month : baby values -- Fourth month : losses -- Fifth month : mortality -- Sixth month : birth class and hospital tour -- Seventh month : mysteries -- Eighth month : powerlessness -- Ninth month : waiting -- Pt. 2. Birth -- Giving birth -- Behind the birthing room -- Pt. 3. New life -- Joy and "blues" -- Calling it fair -- Making mothers.