Best Fertility Books 2026: Must-Reads for TTC

Taking Charge of Your Fertility

by Toni Weschler, MPH

If you read only one fertility book, make it this one. Often called "TCOYF" in TTC circles, this comprehensive guide teaches you everything about your menstrual cycle, fertility signs, and how to use them to conceive (or avoid pregnancy).

What You'll Learn

• How to chart your basal body temperature (BBT)
• How to interpret cervical mucus
• Understanding your full menstrual cycle
• Identifying ovulation with precision
• Common fertility problems and what to do

Best for: Everyone TTC. Especially valuable for beginners and anyone who wants to truly understand their cycle.

It Starts with the Egg

by Rebecca Fett

A science-based guide to improving egg quality. Rebecca Fett, a biochemist, reviews hundreds of studies to provide actionable advice on supplements, toxin avoidance, and lifestyle factors that affect egg (and embryo) quality.

What You'll Learn

• Which supplements actually improve egg quality (CoQ10, DHEA, etc.)
• Environmental toxins to avoid (BPA, phthalates)
• Lifestyle factors affecting fertility
• Special protocols for PCOS, diminished ovarian reserve, and IVF
• The science behind egg development

Best for: Women 35+, anyone with fertility challenges, IVF preparation, or anyone who wants to optimize egg quality.

The Impatient Woman's Guide to Getting Pregnant

by Jean M. Twenge, PhD

Written by a psychology researcher who became a fertility patient, this book cuts through myths with actual data. Twenge challenges common fertility doom narratives (like exaggerated age-related decline statistics) while providing practical, evidence-based advice.

What You'll Learn

• The real statistics on age and fertility (not as scary as headlines suggest)
• Practical timing strategies for conception
• What the research actually says about caffeine, stress, etc.
• How to navigate the TTC emotional rollercoaster
• When to seek help

Best for: Type-A personalities, researchers at heart, anyone stressed about age, data-driven decision makers.

Expecting Better

by Emily Oster

An economist examines pregnancy advice through actual research data. Oster challenges blanket rules (no coffee! no sushi!) by looking at what studies actually show about risks. Empowering for making your own informed decisions.

What You'll Learn

• What the research really says about caffeine, alcohol, and food
• Evidence on prenatal testing options
• Risks in context (actual numbers, not just "avoid everything")
• How to evaluate pregnancy advice critically

Best for: Evidence-based thinkers, anyone frustrated by rigid pregnancy rules, educated decision makers.

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

by Mayo Clinic

A thorough, medically accurate reference covering everything from conception through postpartum. Less narrative than other books, but excellent as a reference guide you'll return to throughout pregnancy.

Best for: Those who want a comprehensive medical reference.

The Trying Game

by Amy Klein

A journalist's personal story and practical guide for navigating fertility treatment. Klein went through years of IVF, miscarriages, and treatments, and shares both emotional wisdom and practical advice for anyone on the fertility treatment path.

Best for: Those facing infertility, IVF patients, anyone needing emotional support on a difficult journey.

Making Babies

by Sami S. David, MD & Jill Blakeway, LAc

Combines Western medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches to fertility. Includes a typing system to identify your fertility "type" and personalized recommendations.

Best for: Those interested in holistic approaches alongside conventional medicine.

The Fertility Handbook for Men

by Dr. Fiona McCulloch

Male factor infertility accounts for 40-50% of cases, yet most fertility books focus on women. This guide covers sperm health, lifestyle factors, and what men can do to improve their fertility.

Best for: Male partners who want to understand and optimize their fertility.