Author Archive: Lydia

I’m Not Fat, Baby on Board

I was lucky to be pregnant during winter, no hot sticky summer nights to contend with my already uncomfortable pregnancy insomnia. Being naturally warmer when pregnant was a blessing throughout the colder months! Although it did have its downside when it came to my daily commute.

I found travelling to and from work at rush hour in the hustle and bustle of London city and grappling for space to protect my bump from being knocked, became more difficult the larger my bump grew. Wearing a winter coat and scarf disguised my delicate situation.

Fellow tube and train travellers weren’t aware of my desperate need to sit down, to give my legs a break from the weight bearing down on them and to provide me with stability when the tube or train lurched around a corner or stopped abruptly.

My previously pregnant friends recommended I wear a badge on my coat that clearly said I was pregnant (and in the nicest possible way, could you therefore please give up your seat). They had done it and told me it worked! Secretly, I scoffed at the idea of wearing a badge. The last time I wore a badge I was 5 years old and declaring to the world it was my Birthday!

But it’s NOT a silly idea. It’s highly practical and pleasantly polite (with the bonus being you don’t need to engage in a needless conversation with a stranger as they’ll know instantly that you’re pregnant).