Pushing, shoving and commuting

[philbee]

Have just got in from work, on an earlyish train to avoid the real London crush. As I went up onto the platform to wait a woman ran up behind me, yelled 'sorry', whacked me hard on the back and tried to get to the train before the doors closed (unsuccessfully, I was pleased to see). I felt pretty shaken by it tbh. I've got another five bloody months of this crap. I already go in early and leave early to avoid such physical abuse. What else can I do? Anyone else trying to commute in silly crowds with a big vulnerable belly?

[ArthurShappey]

That's just commuting I'm afraid... I did right up to 38 weeks. Commuter train + jubilee and central line.

Where a baby on board badge. Ask for a seat if you need it. If you get pushed or fallen on, try to protect yourself.

[ArthurShappey]

Wear not where!

I think quite a few trains let you sit in first class (I they have it) when you're pregnant.

[growyourown77]

I commute from Kent to London and my main train journey is fine, but if I have to cross London on the tube for a meeting or after work then it's a 'mare. Once or twice I've said 'please don't push me, I'm pregnant' politely (with a smile) but directly and it usually makes people feel rather sheepish (and hopefully think twice in the future. I have also taken to walking in a deliberately slow/calm way so they can see i'm not part of the usual rush (hard for me as I used to be a really quick walker and nip in between people myself!).

I think you do have to tell people, esp if you want a seat, rather than waiting for people to spot you and move because so many people are nervous of getting it wrong. Nothing wrong with politely asking someone for their seat and explaining you're pregnant and you back is hurting or whatever...

[Jollyb]

I commuted across London when pregnant and it was horrid. By the end I became pretty assertive and always asked for a seat. Try not to stress too much about knocks and bumps as they're unlikely to do any harm - though I know that's easier said than done.

[philbee]

I tend to get a seat because of when I commute. Have attached my badge now though! Just fed up that even walking slowly along at the side of the platform you get shoved and bumped. It was a proper whack, not a nudge at all.

[ladymia]

i also have to battle through the london commute. i asked work if i can start work half an hour later and finish half an hour later. this is so much better!

i never found going in earlier helped, if anything it was even busier.

[WendyWillow]

The buses take longer but I find them a lot less aggressive than the tube, although the pavements can still become a bit of a battle ground to get to the stops. Not looking forward to Oxford Street when the proper Christmas/Sales shopping frenzy sets in.

[philbee]

I can't really work later as have to be home for DD - grandparents pick her up from school but only have her for a few hours.

I need to be more strict about the buses, it's much easier. I got the tube today because I wanted to get home to see DD quickly, but if I accepted it would take a bit longer I could get a bus to the terminal train station and there's very little pushing getting on there. I'm lucky that there are several routes.

When I was pg with DD we lived near London Bridge and I worked at Westminster, and I used to get the boat. Glorious, calm, relaxing. Sigh. Now we are out in the burbs I'm stuck with the train.

[Jollyb]

Hi didn't mean to diminish your concerns about the knocks - I know how feisty commuters can be particularly when running for a train after a platform change.

I also found buses less stressful - apart from the time I was thrown off when 8 months pregnant but that's another story!

[LilllyV]

I'm finding the tube an absolute nightmare. Not only is it hell for anyone, but it's deeper hell when you have morning sickness and just generally feel like crap. Was hoping that once my bump started to show people would be nicer, but it sounds like they really really won't!

[philbee]

I've been wearing my 'baby on board' badge the last few days and people are more wary of me. You can just get them from the ticket offices. I do feel like an idiot with it but it makes a difference. Haven't been on the tube though, I do a more long winded route by bus and train to avoid it, which is a pain but I figure its better.

[Iwillorderthefood]

Commuting is tough. When I was pregnant I commuted early and left early. This was a lot better and the same man gave me his seat on the Victoria line for weeks. I found lots of issues were prevented if I dressed on clothes that showed my pregnancy off, standing in profile to those sitting down and asking for a seat (on way home) if I did not get one. Baby on board badge is a good idea.

[Tugstonia]

I sympathise with this. I agree the baby on board badge is a must, even if you look definitely pregnant the badge just catches people's eye and removes any doubt. Also I just ask people for a seat now, sod it. Especially those sitting in the priority seating area. No one's had a problem with being asked yet, if anything they look embarrassed not to have offered. In terms of pushing and shoving, I stand at the far end of the platform where there's usually less people and if anyone shoves me I just say "please don't push me, I'm pregnant".

[MrsMargoLeadbetter]

Philbee glad you have had a better few days.

I think the Baby On Board badges are such a great idea. They help bring clarity. As an overweight woman myself, I was always concerned about people mistakenly offering me a seat! The badges just make it nice and clear. Not got mine yet as too early and don't fancy advertising my status to distant contacts I might see on the tube before I have told closer friends etc.

Just make sure they are obvious. Some coats with flappy lapels can mean the badge is difficult to spot.

With the tubes I try to find the least busy carriages. I also never stand straight on at the platform as I want half an eye on those behind/approaching the carriage.

You just feel so vunerable don't you. I find my fearfulness goes up when pregnant, so I am on a heightened alert throughout my journey, which isn't very relaxing!!!