In "What I Didn't Expect (When I Was Expecting)" Monica Dux shares all the horrors of pregnancy that always seem to be conveniently left out. She explores all facets of pregnancy from how women are treated, to the father's role during birth and how that affects his relationship with the baby, and eating placentas; all with a witty sense of humour that had me chuckling out loud on several occasions.

Monica Dux shares not only her personal anecdotes of pregnancy (both a hospital and a home birth), but she shares a lot of research into the history of pregnancy in Western culture, conflicting theories from "professionals" and the more emotional aspects such as miscarriages and the toll on a women's body.

This was a very interesting read. I'll admit I've actually heard about a lot of the ugly things she talks about, but this book was still full of so much research and theories on various interesting topics. I particularly enjoyed how Dux explored society's view of a pregnant women and the expectations they hold on how she should be "glowing" and happy to be vomiting daily for her unborn child. She explains how women seem to lose their identity when they're pregnant and how they're expected to cater every decision they make to their baby, even forgoing their own health if it's better for the baby.

There's just so much information in this book and a lot of eye-opening facts. And now, I am very happy to wait a few more years before I decide to get pregnant.