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Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives By Free Press Price for Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives. With Special Pomotions & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping List Price : $26.00 Price Save : $17.16 SalesRank :45206 Warranty:

Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives Description

Science writer Paul (The Cult of Personality) segues between pondering her own second pregnancy and the developing literature on fetal origins in this fascinating study of the prenatal period, what one scientist calls the staging ground for well-being and disease in later life. Drawing upon current research and interviews with experts in this burgeoning field, Paul explores such varied topics as diet and nutrition, stress, environmental toxins, exercise, and alcohol use. She cites some frightening if by now familiar discoveries, such as the existence of 200 industrial chemicals that can be found in babies' umbilical cords, as well as some unusual findings, such as the discovery that women who consumed a daily dose of chocolate during their pregnancies gave birth to babies who smiled more at six months. She also exposes links between low birth weight and later cardiovascular disease, and muses upon the possibility that a dietary supplement might one day protect future children from cancer. As the author delves deeply into the vulnerabilities of the prenatal environment, she comes away with a compelling sense of the importance of how society cares for and supports pregnant women. Focusing on how to minimize harm and maximize benefit during the nine months before birth, Paul's thought-provoking text reveals that this pivotal period may be even more significant and far-reaching than ever imagined. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Costumer Reviews

3.5 Out Of 5 Stars (30 Customer Reviews)  
Reviews for Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives (Hardcover) I ready this book straight through in one day and found it packed with useful scientific findings on the long-term impact of the uterine environment on developing fetuses. Yet, it doesn't seem overwhelming or "preachy" just informative and thought-provoking. As I read through it, I found myself underlining key passages or findings to go back to later and contemplate (I'm hoping to become pregnant soon).

I think the most interesting aspect of this book were the numerous findings that things women do before their child is even born (healthier eating, exercise, positive mood, decrease stress, etc...)can have an equal or greater impact than things done after birth. Yet, as the author points out, "Prenatal experience doesn't force the individual down a particular path; at most, it points us in a general direction, and we can take another route if we choose.
Reviews for Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives (Hardcover) I bought this book immediately after TIME Magazine featured it on its cover, because Ms. Paul's title asserted itself as an authority over this much needed topic. As someone who is in her early 30's and is planning to have children in the near future, I thought this book would offer in depth specifics that could help any woman give birth to a healthy baby. To her credit, Ms. Paul does cite key tips that every expecting mother should be doing to ensure a healthy child: take Folic acid and other B vitamins, exercise, reduce stress levels, eat breakfast every day, and stay mindful of the food one consumes. Moreover, she cites a few scientists and doctors who are in the process of making novel discoveries about how we can prevent birth defects and other illness that occur after birth. Ms. Paul also cities several historical events that reinforce the idea that childbirth is actually a collective effort hinging on a nation's efforts to provide basic needs. Without these provisions, children are unlikely to become productive citizens or even have the chance to live to adulthood. For this much, I think the book is a good start; however, I find much of the writing lacking in two major areas.
Reviews for Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives (Hardcover) I should start this review by explaining what I hope for from a popular-interest science book. I expect an explanation of a theory, discovery, or scientific concept which is accurate, fun to read, well-cited (with citations to scholarly publications so I can read them too), and well-written. I appreciate a little humor, too. Some experiential asides are fine with me, but I don't want to read an autobiography. I prefer my authors to have a science or medical background, but this is not a requirement; I love Mary Roach after all.
I was incredibly excited to read Origins. I'm currently pregnant and love reading and researching all of the odd things that happen, all the dictates given by doctors, and I'm fascinated by the history of pregnancy and childbirth. I was the first one in my library to check this out (mainly because the tech services people moved this book to the front of the line for me and gave it to me as soon as they were done).
Unfortunatly, Annie Murphy Hall falls far short of my expectations. Her book is 8 parts memoir, 1 part historical overview, 1 part interview recollections. I really don't care about her shopping trips to Whole Foods while she was pregnant. I am curious about the mercury in fish debate. Guess which got more print?
Furthermore, she is way too reliant on quotes. It was like reading a freshman's first research paper.

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