Our pick for most familiesBooks for parentsPregnancy to early weeks
Kaz Cooke (Viking/Penguin) Up the Duff: The Real Guide to Pregnancy (2019 edition)
The Australian week-by-week pregnancy guide — funny, frank and written for Australian care.
MamaLoop mums pickWe researched this — not used by usNot sponsored
If you read one pregnancy book, we would make it this one. It is Australian, so it talks about our care models, our services and our words, it goes week by week, and it covers the birth and early weeks with the baby too. Kaz Cooke writes with cartoons and humour, which takes the edge off the scary bits, and the 2019 edition was fully revised. Readers mostly say it reassured them without overwhelming them. The cons: it is long, the week-by-week format means some weeks feel padded, and the jokey tone does not suit everyone. It is general information — your midwife or doctor is the right person for anything about your own pregnancy.
Researched, not used by us · Not sponsored
Pros
- Australian care models and services
- Week-by-week with birth and early weeks
- Revised and updated in 2019
- Warm, funny and frank
Cons
- Long and heavy
- Some weeks feel thin
- Humour is not for everyone
Who it suits
- First-time parents in Australia
- Partners who want a readable overview
Who should look elsewhere
- Readers who want a short, clinical guide
Price
> $40
Typically $35–$45 at our last check (8 Nov 2026). Prices change — check the retailer.
Specs
| Author | Kaz Cooke |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Viking (Penguin Random House Australia) |
| Edition | Revised and updated, 2019 |
| Isbn | 9780143795339 |
| Pages | 560 |
| Format | paperback |
| Who its for | Australian parents-to-be who want a friendly, complete week-by-week guide |
What to look for
- ISBN 9780143795339 (2019 edition)
Where to buy in Australia
Shop links may earn us a small commission, at no cost to you. How this works
As an Amazon Associate, MamaLoop earns from qualifying purchases.
Other books for parents picks
Also goodBirth to 12 months
Robin Barker (Pan Macmillan) Baby Love (6th edition)
The Australian first-year reference, by a nurse and midwife — practical and calm, but last revised in 2013.
Sources
Last checked 8 Nov 2026 · Report a problem with this pick