7.5 months pregnant & rudely refused a seat on the train!

OrkneyStar

I had reason to get the bus today, checked the sticker near the priority seats at the front. 3 stickers mentioning wheelchairs at the front space (beside the flip up seats) and at least one mentioned buggy had to be folded if wheelchair user got on. At the other side front seats there was a priority sticker, but it mentioned disabled and elderly only, no mention of pregnant.

Hoseman

Juxxize wrote: »

I'm sorry but the truth is most women I've ever known who are are pregnant do think the world evolves around them and that they are somehow special why that makes me bitter for just making an observation I don't know .

Sweeping statement comes to mind here. Maybe most of the pregnant ladies you've met do feel this way. I cant say I have. What can we conclude here?

Charliezoo

I've read this with interest - I'm 6 months pregnant and already quite big but I'm active and don't let it slow me down, I have never once used my pregnancy to my advanage or expected any special treatment at all.

I travelled by train for the first time a few days ago and had to stand. I must say I was amazed by how unsteady I felt on my feet, it was like my centre of gravity had shifted and I was literally all over the place during the journey. I was actually quite scared that I might fall and although I didn't ask anyone to give up their seat I was secretly hoping someone might just because I felt quite nervous about falling and hitting my belly.

I should really have asked someone to let me sit down and my husband was angry that I didn't but looking at this thread and seeing some of the quite frankly shocking responses from people I'm very glad I didn't. The journey was uncomfortable and I was panicky throughout, to have verbal abuse from someone I'd asked to help me wouldve made it a very traumatic trip.

grey_lady

Greater Anglia offer a free first class upgrade to pregnant commuters.

Civilised.

I think that anyone who begrudges giving up a seat to a pregnant women is a very sad selfish individul.

ginnakitty

CharlieZoo- Totally agree with you.

I think the real issue is that bus & train companies need to be providing additional transport and provide the service people are paying for.

fly_dragon_fly

OrkneyStar wrote: »

I had reason to get the bus today, checked the sticker near the priority seats at the front. 3 stickers mentioning wheelchairs at the front space (beside the flip up seats) and at least one mentioned buggy had to be folded if wheelchair user got on. At the other side front seats there was a priority sticker, but it mentioned disabled and elderly only, no mention of pregnant.

I noticed this the other day aswell when i got on the bus, I struggle to get down the gangway without turning sideways and my bump being squashed and with crazy bus drivers I often nearly fall over without being pregnant so sat down in the seat but was aware that I should give it up if someone disabled or elderly got on, to which 4 elderly people got on after me. I offered the seat each time and each time they kindly refused saying I needed it more, I did re-offer it saying with the excuse I was getting off in a few stops but I've also learnt not to argue with those older than me. Just goes to show that if you have respect for others in return you will get respect yourself. Sadly it seems those who have replied to this thread rather rudely or without much thought have never been pregnant and there for have no idea, I'm not at all saying it is a disability as I choose to get pregnant but I hope that there are kinder people outside than on this one thread, but then i also believe in karma so will continue to sit in the disabled / elderly seat and if i need a seat hope that if i ask nicely i will get offered it because it is hard and usually if i am getting the bus its because i have been at work for 6 + hours on my feet non stop and really need a seat but then i don't work in London or a busy city and people in towns seem much more understanding and polite and friendly in general.

Mrs_Ryan

I was on a dangerously overcrowded train today. I'm usually fit and active but I am in remission from cancer and do quite often feel very tired. Added to this I have a shoulder and an ankle injury at the moment and my cancer site hurts when I'm very tired. By the first station I was in tears of pain and almost doubled over because the train was so crowded I couldnt even sit on the floor but all those in the seats just gawped at me. However the priority seats had been reserved and there was clearly no chance of me getting one - I think its a bit unfair these seats can be reserved by people who dont need them.

Johnmcl7

harrys_nan wrote: »

I utterly despair at the way we humans are heading with our manners and consideration for others. Are people not taught basic manners anymore?
I dread to think where we are all going to end up in years to come.
I am mid 60's cannot stand for too long because of spinal problems but will still give up my seat for somebody less able than me

There is perhaps some hope though...I used to commute on a busy train which didn't have enough seats but people always gave up seats without a word to anyone they thought needed it more than them so pregnant ladies, elderly people and those who looked like they needed seat would get a seat without asking. As a reasonably young person with no health issues this did mean more standing but I wouldn't ever grudge giving someone a seat who needed it more than me.

John

lordra

if we were to believe the Mayans, the world ends this month. So don't you worry about all those rude people! Just have your fun!
But seriously, I find that people in bigger cities are more rude and impolite (London, Manchester, Liverpool, etc) compared to smaller cities and towns.

snugglepet20

Ok no matter what the circumstances there is always a nice way of talking to people and a nasty way. If the woman who was asked to move did have some invisible disability she could simply have said "I'm sorry but I need to sit here". Being disabled does not give you a license to abuse others.