I've only just found the thread so am I bit late in replying.

I have never had an eating disorder so cannot relate in entirety. However, I've put on about 8 kilos in the last 12 months and particularly since starting IVF. And I don't have the excuse of IVF drugs causing me to put on weight, as I was only ever on drugs for the one stim cycle we did. But IVF means you lose focus on your diet and your own needs, and comfort eating becomes a coping mechanism.

I'm still in the first tri, but I'm desperately waiting for the fat roll to become a baby bump. One lady has already patted my (then 7 week pregnant) belly and said "ooh, baby belly." I've found that quite confronting - that's not a baby, that's my fat, thanks. I've been feeling very unattractive, and have to keep reminding myself that this is all natural and beautiful.

Unfortunately I think our society values thin women so much that it is ingrained in us to think fat=bad, and it's hard to get out of that mindset when you're pregnant. I think it's also ingrained in other people to think that commenting on our body shape and size is suddenly okay because we're pregnant.

I also think we are our own harshest critics and that we should be kind to ourselves...and rest assured the bigger picture is worth it. And at least we have excuse for a pot belly, unlike our partners who don't!