When I got pregnant with my first child, I was skinny. This time around, I started out, well, a bit on the plump side. I've been meaning to do real serious work-outs, but then pregnancy came before I could even register at the gym. Although I still don't see myself as plus-sized, I feel quite conscious and wished I could have shed off a few pounds before this second pregnancy. Oh well, too late.

For all of you plus-sized moms-to-be out there, here's a book you might want to get hold of:

In Big, Beautiful and Pregnant, Cornelia van der Ziel, a highly sought-after obstetrician who specializes in plus-size pregnancies, and Jacqueline Tourville, a plus-size mom who's lived the experience, offer a warm, witty, medically-sound guide for overweight women who want the skinny on what to expect from pregnancy and childbirth. They answer all the questions pregnant moms may have, including: Is my pregnancy doomed to be difficult because I'm overweight? How can I find a sympathetic doctor? Am I destined for a c-section because of my extra pounds? Are there special medical risks to my unborn child? Where can I find maternity clothes in extra-large sizes?