Expecting Better by Emily Oster Summary
Overview of Expecting Better
Economist Emily Oster demolishes pregnancy myths with hard data. Endorsed by Amy Schumer as "the non-judgmental girlfriend guiding us through pregnancy," this controversial bestseller dares to ask: What if that glass of wine isn't dangerous? Science-backed freedom for expectant mothers everywhere.
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Key takeaways
Pregnancy Myths vs. Reality: An Economist Takes Charge
When I discovered I was pregnant during an economics conference, my first thought wasn't about nursery colors-it was about my morning coffee. Could I still have it? The pregnancy advice I encountered was frustratingly contradictory. As an economics professor with a PhD, I was trained to analyze data and make evidence-based decisions. Why should pregnancy be any different? This disconnect launched me on a journey to apply economic decision-making principles to pregnancy. Instead of accepting vague warnings and arbitrary rules, I dove into the research myself. What I discovered was eye-opening: many standard pregnancy recommendations are based on minimal evidence, outdated research, or extreme caution rather than clear risk-benefit analysis. By challenging conventional wisdom with hard data, I found a more relaxed, less rigid approach to pregnancy-one that empowers women to make informed choices based on actual risks rather than fears. Think about it: wouldn't you rather know that the occasional glass of wine has no documented negative effects rather than being told simply "don't drink" without explanation? Wouldn't you prefer understanding which foods actually pose risks during pregnancy instead of memorizing an arbitrary prohibited list?
The Science of Conception: Timing Is Everything
Alcohol, Caffeine, and Food Safety: What the Research Actually Shows
Morning Sickness, Testing, and Prenatal Care: Making Informed Choices
Unexpected Risks and Overblown Concerns
Birth Settings and Labor: Navigating the Final Decisions
From Pregnancy to Parenthood: A New Decision-Making Framework
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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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