Can I use a parent and child space?

[lalaland1985]

I'm currently 37 weeks and HUGE! Would it be acceptable to mumsnetters to use a parent and child space?

[UppityHumpty]

Fuck what MNetters think, just do it.

[JustAKitten]

Do it.

[KateDaniels2]

Anyone can use a p&c. They arent like disabled spots.

There is nothing anyone can do to stop you parking in them.

[SomewhatIdiosyncratic]

You've got a non-detachable baby with you!

I used them in the second half of my first pregnancy. Between a large bump and short legs, I barely fitted behind the steering wheel and had to open the drivers door to maximum to contort my way out. SPD also meant every step counted. (I had to give up on the supermarket completely at 34 weeks as the pain became intolerable). I didn't have the energy to park up the quiet end of the car park, and couldn't risk someone parking near my door as I couldn't climb through the passenger side or stagger back to the shop to report it. At 37 weeks I couldn't fit in the driver's seat close enough to reach the pedals anymore so that was the end of driving for the rest of the pregnancy.

[Sirzy]

Use it!

[SoloDance]

Use one. I use them with my elderly mum who struggles to get out of the car. No one has ever yelled at me.

[KrayKray00]

I did when I was heavily pregnant with my second as I suffered really bad spd. I was once questioned by someone where is my child whilst I was obviously about to pop and also had crutches a women wanted me to move space so her and her 10-12(ish) year old could have it.

I am not entitled or believe I "deserve that space" but if I could of rammed my crutch up her arse I would of.

[Laiste]

You're a parent with a child. Use it.

[Devorak]

Where are you talking about? A supermarket? Of course you can. Much like disabled bays in the private car parks, you can stop wherever you want with no laws being broken.

[TaliDiNozzo]

You can use them if you have a child or not, if you're pregnant or not. So it's up to you.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

Do you really need mn permission?

Park where you like.

[gingeristhenewblack43]

I used them when heavily pg. At my local sainsbury I puller into a P&C space and the security guard was walking past, he noticed I had no child in the car with me and shook his head at me. I got out and he spotted my very large bump and apologised.

I struggled to get in and out of the car by then so the guaranteed extra space to open my car door was definitely needed.

[Birthdaypartyangstiness]

Do it.

Toward the end of my second pregnancy, could barely walk, needed to pee every 5 mins, and needed the car door wide open to get in and out. Not much choice really. And after one incident when I couldn't fit in the tiny space between my car and the car parked next to me, worsened by the fact that I couldn't find anyone confident enough with an automatic to get the car out for me, I did so with no guilt whatsoever.

[Tomorrowillbeachicken]

I would tbh.

[MrsRhubarb]

I remember thinking this at about 37 weeks. I had DD with me, so it didn't really matter either way, but I definitely needed the extra space between me and the next car to get in and out!

[LuxCoDespondent]

Anyone can use a parent & child space, they have no legal weight. Technically you should not be using it because a pregnant woman would be counted as a single individual, but I doubt anyone will complain (let's face it, at your stage of pregnancy it should be pretty obvious what you're up to).

[BakerBear]

I use them. I do have a 4 year old though but if i dont have her with me then i use them as currently 39 weeks and have awful pgp.

I obviously dont use them if im not pregnant and i dont have dd with me

[WankingMonkey]

Yup..I would.

[EleanorRigbysNeice]

Do it. No question

[cdtaylornats]

Just tell anyone who complains that by the time you shop you might well be eligible

[MongerTruffle]

Do it, and hope that you don't get fined:

metro.co.uk/2016/03/20/nine-months-pregnant-woman-fined-for-parking-in-mother-and-child-bay-5763307/

[PeppaPigTastesLikeBacon]

Yes, I used to but only went at quiet times when I knew there would be loads free!

[PovertyPain]

I have terrible sciatica at the minute, with pains down both legs. I have to turn in the seat and put both legs out, so I used one yesterday. Not pregnant but couldn't and wouldn't use the disabled parking as my youngest, who is disabled, wasn't with me.

[ragdoll700]

Yes I used them when I got really big as I needed the space to get in an out of the car

[lalaland1985]

Obviously I don't need Mumsnet permission! I was just wondering what the general consensus would be! I used a space last week and felt a bit guilty. I do really need the extra space for getting in and out the car now though. It's just supermarkets and large shopping centres that id use them. I also used the disabled loo the other day as o was about to wee myself. Oh the glamour!