While the general understanding of prenatal care as crucial to the wellbeing of mothers and their babies is now enshrined in American culutre, Strong draws upon scientific research to show that few procedures are as helpful as we think, aiming to dispel misconceptions about prenatal care. He explains how mothers themselves may influence the course and outcome of their pregnancies to a greater degree than do their obstetricians. He provides scientific questions that parents should be asking their health care providers to ensure that they and their babies recieve the best care possible.