RM, I am not an athletic person at all, but am very slim, usually a size 10 in pants, and 12 in a top (only because I have 'freakishly long monkey arms'). With bub #1 I didn't put ANY weight on at all (it may have had something to do with the fact I was vomiting all the time), and now with number 2, the baby belly came much earlier (well, I am sure it was much earlier), and the Man says that I have put a bit of weight on in general. For example, my upper arms are a bit bigger, and he said I look healthier in the face, whereas with number 1, I just looked like I needed a good feed. I wouldn't have noticed any difference in my arms, had he have not said anything the other day. I don't think I weigh much more than this time in my first pg, but I certainly do feel heavier, so I know what you mean there.

When I have spoken to other mums (at playgroup and music) who have several kiddies each, they have all said that we tend to put weight on quicker with the second and subsequent bubs, and all not to worry.

Whilst I feel pretty good (not vomiting in this pg anything like the first, thank goodness!), I do feel a little self conscious.

Given that you are very much into your fitness, I have no doubt that you will very quickly return to your once svelte self, and self confidence will once again return.

I won't say to not eat any junk food, because that would just be very silly of me. I know I can't do without sometimes. I would just suggest to setting a limit. For example, if I eat potato chips, I can't stop myself eating a whole large bag (pg or not), but just one or two of the lunchbox size packets will usually suffice. If I still want more, I have some water to drink, and the feeling for that particular food is forgotten. Maybe put one or two biscuits, or a slice (not a big slice) of cake on a plate, and have it with a cup of tea (normal tea/herbal/whatever rocks your boat), sitting at the table. Don't get up from the table until the tea is all gone (if you make a small pot of tea, about 2 cups worth, it will make you sit there longer). Enjoy the moment and the sweets, and when you get up, hopefully the feeling of wanting more 'junk food' will be gone.

I hope this might help you feel a bit better about yourself. And don't worry, a lot of us feel similar or the same.