Announcing the prequel. From Heidi Murkoff, author of America's bestselling pregnancy and parenting books, comes the must have guide every expectant couple needs before they even conceive--the first step in What to Expect: WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOU'RE EXPECTING. An estimated 11 million couples in North America are currently trying to conceive, and medical groups now recommend that all hopeful parents plan for baby making at least three months before they begin trying. And who better to guide wanna-be moms and dads step-by-step through the preconception (and conception) process then Heidi Murkoff? It's all here. Everything couples need to know before sperm and egg meet up. Packed with the same kind of reassuring, empathetic, and practical information, advice, and tips that readers have come to expect from What to Expect, only sooner. Which baby-friendly foods to order up (say yes to yams) and which fertility-busters to avoid (see you later, saturated fat); lifestyle adjustments that you'll want to make (cut back on cocktails and caffeine) and those you can probably skip (that switch to boxers). How to pinpoint ovulation, time lovemaking, keep on-demand sex sexy, and separate conception fact (it takes the average couple up to 12 months to make a baby) from myth (position matters). Plus, when to seek help and the latest on fertility treatments--from Clomid and IVF to surrogacy and more. Complete with a fill-in fertility journal to keep track of the baby-making adventure and special tips throughout for hopeful dads. Next step? WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING, of course. About the Author: Heidi Murkoff is the co-author of the What to Expect series with her mother, Arlene Eisenberg, and sister Sandee Hathaway. In addition, Heidi is the President of The What To Expect Foundation. The Foundation's prenatal health literacy program helps underserved families in-need know what to expect when they're expecting. Heidi writes monthly "What to Expect" columns for Baby Talk and Parenting magazines and lectures nationwide on parenting and pregnancy issues. Her interactive website is www.whattoexpect.com. She lives in Santa Barbara, California, with her husband and two children. | 
