Whether you are having your first or your fifth child, each pregnancy is special. It might be especially dreadful or especially delightful, but we want to remember it–if for no other reason that our children might want to know about that time–before they were born.

A pregnancy journal is a great way to not only record some details about your pregnancy, but also to educate yourself month-by-month.

The Happy Baby, Healthy Mom pregnancy journal is a covered spiral bound notebook, organized in tabbed sections by the three trimesters and then postpartum. This is divided up week by week full of information about that stage of the pregnancy, nutrition pointers, and journaling questions. There are questionnaires throughout to help you determine if something in your pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor (such as excessive morning sickness). This book is very comprehensive, and if used completely would be a great reference in trying to coach a friend or sister or even your own child through her own pregnancy later. My two pregnancies were different. I remember things about both of them, but I’ve forgotten more than I’ll ever remember.

The Belly Book is a bit more low-key. It also has the hardbound, covered spiral notebook format that is so handy in a reference book. It would be great for a first-time, second-time or seasoned birther. However, the simple format lends itself to the busier schedule of a pregnant mom who is also tending to other little ones, while still affording her the opportunity to focus on her newest addition. It is also divided into trimesters, but it focuses more on journaling and photos. There’s a spot to preserve your ultrasound photo and a belly photo for each week, with a space to journal about that week of pregnancy. There is a place to record information from each doctor visit, and of course to journal about “birth day” as well.

Some pregnancies are not expected, and that can fill those nine months with conflicting emotions. Rachel Brignoni has written an encouraging book called Hope. . . Joy (and a Few Little Thoughts) for Pregnant Teens. This book offers pregnant teens a course in finding hope and in remembering their worth and the understanding the power of positive thoughts and joy, even in the midst of an unexpected circumstance. Brignoni writes from the perspective of one who saw her pregnancy at 17 as a huge bump in the road at the time, but is able to encourage with the wisdom of looking back over many years.

I will draw two winners for these books. One winner will receive the book for pregnant teens  and one of the journals. Feel free to try to win this book for someone you know. I’m sure that it would be a huge encouragement to her.

A second winner will receive one journal of her choice along with Post-Partum cards, which are designed to help the “barely conscious” mom to stay in contact with the outside world, with simple check the box or fill in the blank notes that you can send to your friends and family.

Please leave a comment, and tell me which book most interests you.

The contest will close on May 28.