MANY pregnant women are being forced to stand on public transport because commuters can’t tell the difference between a baby bump and a big belly, surveys have found.
Two surveys in the UK have discovered people rarely give up their seats on public transport to mothers-to-be because many fear causing offence if someone is simply overweight and not pregnant, the Daily Mail reports.
Eighty four per cent of pregnant women questioned by parenting website gurgle.com, which is owned by Mothercare, had been forced to stand while struggling with dizziness, swollen feet and other effects of pregnancy.
In another survey of more than 1,000 expectant mums conducted by baby charity Tommy’s, the majority said they were rarely offered a seat on crowded buses and trains.
While selfishness is thought to be one factor, many are believed to be just trying to avoid embarrassment.
“We’ve all been in that awkward situation, but we would encourage commuters to swallow their pride and offer their seats,” gurgle.com editor Nifa McLaughlin said.
“It is worth risking a red face if it ensures that a pregnant woman is able to complete a crowded rush-hour journey safely.”
Mothercare has started offering a “Baby On Board” badge for expectant mothers to let commuters know their bulge is indeed a baby bump.
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