To use a supermarket mobility scooter in pregnancy?

[wilsey]

Just that really. Am 32 weeks and already really struggling to get around due to SPD (pelvic girdle pain). Is it even allowed? And I've never driven one before is some kind of license required?

[ReallyTired]

Do you think someone with a broken leg should use a mobility scooter? I think its reasonable to compare someone with SPD to a person with a temporary disablity like a broken leg.

[ReallyTired]

SPD can come a long term disablity and the pregnant woman with SPD needs to rest as much as possible.

[WaroftheRoses]

Possibly ProudAS but unlikely! And re-read some of the other posters' experiences with SPD-lasting a lot longer than a year....

[ignominious]

Would use one with spd. I didn't but I desperately wanted to. Fully in favour of people doing so though.

[BeyondTheLimits]

I'd compare spd with two broken legs rather than one, if you have one broken leg you can still weight-bear on the other one

[ignominious]

I agree Beyond.

[BuilderMammy]

I also agree with Beyond. I had SPD and for the last two months of each pregnancy could barely shuffle along because I physically couldn't move one foot more than a few inches in front of the other and couldn't lift either foot off the floor. I don't see that as being particularly similar to having a broken leg!

[BuilderMammy]

NeedABumChangeNotANameChange, has it occurred to you that overweight people in mobility scooters may be overweight because of mobility problems, not vice versa?

[Babyleopard23]

YANBU! I'm 33 weeks and have spd also. It's absolutely crippling at times and I definitely wouldn't be able to walk around a big supermarket! I have used the scooters before as I broke my back and struggled to walk far for a long time and I was always given one with no questions asked even when I had no crutches or spinal brace on so I'd be surprised if they asked why or turned you away.
They are there to be used but people do book them so sometimes it's a good idea to ring ahead and make sure they have one available

Yes you can do your shopping online but if your anything like me it's horrible being stuck at home so why should you when they have the facilities to help you get out the house for a little while!

[ChickenMe]

Lol Need.

I used one due to a pregnancy related condition. I felt silly but family and doctor insisted. I wasnt very good at driving it. I had a few crashes.
This was in the Southern US where they a) have about twenty of em lined up and anyone who can't be arsed to walk uses them b)things are more "medicalised" c) there are more fat people who seriously can barely move. Some of the stuff on sale at the supermarkets defo wasn't food so no wonder people are so ill.

[JeanetteDanielsBenziger]

I'm gonna end up one of those huge people on a scooter, not easy to lose weight with SPD. :-(

[IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece]

SPD definitely more deserving than those massive fat people who've eaten too much to walk and than barge into you with their massive fat bellies that hang out the side of the scooters

Katie Hopkins, is that you?

[whathaveiforgottentoday]

I hired a wheelchair at Bluewater from the mobility area on 2 occasions when I was pregnant and had a slipped disc. I couldn't stand for more than a few minutes before agonizing pain kicked in.

You don't need to be registered disabled so anybody can hire them (just leave a deposit) if they need to and I guess the same applies to the supermarket ones.

To be honest I didn't go food shopping at all during the pregnancy as I slipped my disc at 5 weeks so spent the entire pregnancy unable to walk or stand. I sent DH food shopping had to go clothes shopping a few times for things I couldn't buy online easily and this would have been impossible without being able to hire the wheelchair.

I wish I'd ordered an electric scooter instead of normal wheelchair. I made my SIL push me round!

[GlitterBelle]

I am a wheelchair user and used to use the scooters in the between phase. I personally think people with SPD can use them, it often lasts a long time and is painful.

Not everything can be done online - I do the vast majority, but sometimes you need to look around, or need some time out for your mental health.

[ouryve]

SPD not a disability? I've heard it all now.

It's no more not a disability than a broken leg. OK, it doesn't last for ever, but it bloody hurts and you can't walk.

[AliMonkey]

Definitely. I had both legs in plaster for a few weeks after an accident and used a shopmobility one in our local town. Be warned though it takes a while to get used to them even on the slowest setting!

[TheFairyCaravan]

OK, it doesn't last for ever, but it bloody hurts and you can't walk.

Did you read the thread, ouryve? SPD can last forever, mine will. Despite 5 major pelvic surgeries it will never go away and I will never walk unaided or be pain free!

[ouryve]

Should have said doesn't always last forever.

[Bulbasaur]

MN moral panic is all well and good, but we don't know your situation or your body. You do. If you're having a hard time moving and need it, use it. That's why they're there. If people with a broken leg can use it, then you certainly can. The store isn't going to call you on a disability, it's against the law.

You need to get out OP, don't recluse in your house over this. If you're not up for leaving, that's one thing. But if you want to get out and get fresh air, don't let this stop you.

[hellohelloididntseeyouthere]

YANBU AT ALL and u can't beleive how mean and unhelpful people can be.

[Slutbucket]

I love mumsnet!! According to them there is an army of disabled people going round and protecting the exclusive use of their disabled toilets and disabled scoters. They will readily check if you are really disabled by using the equality act as their guideline. Reality..... It sounds sensible that you get one and enjoy browsing. Nobody in their right mind would deny you this!

[Sunna]

YANBU.

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

Wow.

One person said "SPD is not a disability ".

Everyone else said it's fine use it (in say this too)

Yet people are still making digs about "MN moral panic" and attitudes about disabled toilets.

Pathetic.

Op I hope your SPD subsides soon