Pregnancy magazines can be a great source of information for any expectant mother. You can learn where to find the best maternity clothes, how to decorate your baby's nursery, or what items you should purchase for your baby's layette. You also can learn more about the changes in your body or what to expect after your baby is born. You'll find safety tips, meal ideas, product recommendations, and the results of the latest medical studies.
Fit Pregnancy
Available in print or online, Fit Pregnancy is a bi-monthly magazine that covers topics like health, nutrition, exercise, fashion, psychology, and beauty issues associated with pregnancy. The editors of this magazine review baby products and gear and make recommendations.
There are also articles that cover issues (including breastfeeding) about parenting up to age two. There is usually a feature on a famous pregnant actress or singer in each issue as well. There is an advisory board of child development experts, psychologists, obstetricians, and other experts that may offer input on content.
Cost
Six issues (1 year) are $17.97 online through the magazine website. You can also purchase it through your local bookstore or drugstore.
Awards
The magazine has won multiple MAGGIE awards like the Health/Fitness Consumer Award 2008, National Information Health Awards, and the Society of Publication Designers Award.
Reviews
Some mothers-to-be on Amazon.com noted that while it can take a while for the print subscription to get to you, there was a lot of information about fashion and baby gear here. Other women liked the aspect about product reviews and enjoy the articles about health and being fit during pregnancy.
Bottom Line
This is an informative pregnancy magazine - especially if you enjoy reading about maternity and baby fashion, new products, and famous pregnancies.
American Baby Magazine
American Baby Magazine, which was created by the publishers of Parents magazine, is a print magazine that covers pregnancy and the first few years of your baby's life. Topics cover medical and mental issues during pregnancy and early childhood as well as the typical questions and concerns that new mothers may have. The magazine also offers reviews about baby products. Some articles from the issues are available on the website.
Cost
The one year subscription price is around $14. However, you can find free subscriptions to American Baby in multiple locations. The magazine website offers them and other outlets as well. Many doctors' offices have single copies and you can also subscribe from there.
Reviews
This magazine contained a lot of information - especially for first-time mothers, according to some moms on Amazon.
Bottom Line
This magazine covers topics from pregnancy to early childhood. If you like Parents magazine, you will probably like the style of American Baby magazine. The fact that expectant mothers and new parents can get this magazine for free is an added benefit for most readers.
Pregnancy Magazine
Pregnancy Magazine is an online magazine geared to first-time moms. Since first pregnancies are the time for numerous questions, this magazine has articles and features that answer them. From how to manage morning sickness to weight gain to labor, Pregnancy magazine can help fill in the blanks. The magazine includes infant gear reviews as well.
There are articles online but the digital version may offer longer versions of these articles with more details. The Pregnancy magazine app is available for iPad, Kindle, iPhone, and Android products. The first issue of the magazine is free with the download of the app.
Cost
A single issue is $2.99. One year (11 issues) is $14.99 from the magazine website.
Reviews
Some readers were concerned about using the app and didn't like that they might need to log in and give information. Others women have had troubles with the app itself and the subscription options. On the other hand, some moms love the look and feel of the magazine on either their phones or iPads.
Bottom Line
With only a digital version, this magazine is ideal for the mobile mom. From fertility questions to breastfeeding, this magazine strives to meet the needs of the today's new mom.
Kiwi Magazine
Kiwi magazine is all about living and raising your family in the healthiest way possible. Available both online and in print, the magazine features articles that span pregnancy throughout childhood. The magazine's focus is not solely on pregnancy, but there are a number of green and healthy pregnancy features included each month. Organic items and a green lifestyle are the focus for this magazine.
Awards
Kiwi magazine received the About.com Best Pregnancy Magazine Award 2013.
Reviews
One mother noted that this magazine is great if you want to raise your family the natural and organic way.
Bottom Line
This magazine is not strictly a pregnancy magazine in the truest sense but does contain some information about organic and green items for your pregnancy and infant. If you are interested in organic and green living, this magazine may be more your style.
Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine
Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine provides reviews of baby gear, products, maternity clothes, and other items that you might need during and after pregnancy. It also has articles about fashion and trends in maternity and baby clothes to match any budget. Information about your health and the health of your baby are featured as well. Both print and online versions of this magazine are available.
Cost
A one-year subscription of the print version is $28.00. It is also available at many bookstores and drugstores across the country. There is a digital version available for the iPad for $5.99 for either one issue or a 3-month subscription.
Bottom Line
This magazine seems to lean more toward moms-to-be that are very interested in the coolest gear and clothes during their pregnancies. There is information about other types of pregnancy issues like physical and mental health, but one of the most popular features is the annual buyer's guide that contains reviews as well as freebies that you can win.
The Bump
The Bump was created by the people who created the wedding site, The Knot. It is geared toward first-time parents with information about fertility, getting pregnant, pregnancy, and bringing baby home.
There are specific regional publications with the Bump. With the regional divisions, the magazine can direct you to local resources to help with a successful pregnancy. The accompanying website has interactive tools and message boards to connect you to other local moms-to-be. There are digital editions for specific areas of the country; some of these areas have print versions that you can buy at bookstores.
Cost
The digital version is free. You can also get print copies in some OB/GYN offices.
Bottom Line
The local aspect makes this an attractive option if you live in or near one of the areas that are featured. The community aspect may also allow you to meet other moms in your area that are at the same stage of pregnancy or that are facing the same issues.
Selecting a Magazine
There are a number of magazines available for the pregnant woman today. It is difficult to know which magazine might work better for the majority of women so often you have to spend some time researching to find the publication that works for you.
Which magazine works for you may also depend on your specific pregnancy or your specific issues at that time. No matter which one you choose, you are sure to get useful information so you can enjoy your pregnancy.
