These 2 books are by far the best ones I have read. Someone gave me them as a present and I have since bought them for all my friends who have had children. They answer all the questions you can possibly think of - and believe me, I had a lot! Very down-to-earth, solid, practical advice and a month by month analysis of what to expect.
If you are thinking of buying a pregnancy/baby book this gift set would be my first choice.

The best books on the subjects I have ever seen. In contrast with other books, it does not consist of 95% motivation and 5% information. No extremes. Different points of view. Answers the most bizzare questions one might have about pregnancy, birth and baby. (Again, most books just deal with the most common problems). I encountered very few problems the book did not have good advice on, and I am rather a paranoid parent. In addition, it is nice to have - well presented, large print, well bound.

When I was pregnant, I bought many books on pregnancy. The 'What to expect' book was the last one and I wished I'd bought it first. It answered every question I had and a few more too! It helped me know what was normal and what, if anything, I should worry about. In places its was a little 'american' but the advice was fantastic. Just before my daughter was born, I bought the first years book - this too was all I needed. Again it covers almost everything you worry about. Obviously, its not as good as a health visitor but its not bad when they're not there! Now I buy both books for all my friends when they're pregnant - it's better than yet another outfit that the baby will outgrow or a teddy that will just gather dust.

I found these two titles very useful indeed and along with the third title, What to expect the Toddler years, I can't get enough of them. The first book explains all the little quirks of pregnancy, you know, the stupid little things you think you are being silly about. Turns out everything you feel (in general anyway) is totally normal. The second book describes the types of things that the doctor will do on regular visits (this is aimed at U.S. parents, but should be about the same for the UK)and the sorts of things your baby may be able to do at certain ages. It also explains about illnesses and first aid for babies and so on. A great read.

I have started giving all my friends these books when they first tell me they are pregnant and if they keep asking me questions. Excellent and they really are very useful.