Hi Melody,
I second everything that Shannon just said, with the addition that if you were a little underweight to start with, then it is natural for your body to want to store some extra to support the baby 'just in case'. I'm one of the people who wrote about not having gained much weight, but DO bear in mind that I started this pregnancy 20 kg overweight! It makes a huge difference.

The most important thing is not to compare yourself to anybody else, as in all things, you end up comparing what you consider to be your weaknesses to their strengths. There's no return in that.

I can truly relate to how you feel, I was talking to one of my friends with anorexic leanings this week and she triggered me badly. Right now I don't want to hear about the acute stress that gaining a pound has caused her - I look like a HAYSTACK in photos, and although people tell me that I'm radiant and blooming, there's days where I just feel like politely telling them to shove it, cos I sure don't FEEL 'blooming' much of the time.

Do yourself a favour, do the things that make you feel good, stay away from the things that make you feel bad, and treat yourself like a queen. Be reassured, you will come out of this a more complete person and you WILL be able to feel attractive again, although I won't lie to you, your body will be different after the baby and it will take some getting used to.

I hope you don't feel alone in this, I reckon just about everyone who has ever had a baby has felt this way at some stage.

Kerrie