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?

I think that being pregnant sits well with the sentiment of a parent-and-child space so i don't see what the problem is!

Do it, the hysteria over P&C spaces on MN is bonkers. I used one not long after I'd had surgery and I'd do it again without a second thought. If anyone says anything just completely blank them, pretend they're not there.

OP if you had the same significant mobility problems (or bladder problems!) but not pregnant then you might quite reasonably expect to get a disabled badge or use a disabled loo - therefore i don't think there's a problem.

I used disabled loos alot when pregnant because i physically couldn't fit in some toilet cubicles - cubicles are generally roomy but getting the door shut would be a problem.

I remember a friend of mine telling me about a time she parked in a P&C space when she was about 36 weeks. Some woman came up and said that she wasn't entitled to park there because she didn't have a child with her.

Friend pointed to her tummy and said 'what the fuck do you think this is then?'

Too little information.

Are you on benefits? Then no and I'm judging you. Otherwise yes.

Or else the other way around.

Do it. I've been using them since 8 weeks pregnant and horrendous sickness. If anyone said anything, I would say ''Baby still cooking, you don't need to take a look in''

I used a P&C space at the car park near work for about two months with my last. I was hoping someone might come and have a massive go at me but nobody ever did, slightly disappointing

Absolutely - go for it.

Personally, I didn't in my last pregnancy, but would consider it this time around. The other week I hurt my bump getting out of the car in a snug space and it was quite uncomfortable for the rest of the day.

Years ago in France I noticed that the p&c parking was for people with children and expectant mothers which I thought was very sensible.

I don't think anyone will mind, though I can't say eitherway on parking enforcement. As pp have said, anyone can park in disabled or p&c parking on private land. It's up to the land owners to enforce it.

I hate the whole 'anyone can use them' thing. Yes, legally that is true. But the people taking a P&C space they don't need out of pure self-centredness have nothing to be proud of.

OP, I think you are entitled to do it. You need the additional space.

I did once when heavily pregnant, didn't feel bad about it.

Our Asda has 3 of the P&C spaces marked with a stork - presumably to suggest that those 'carrying' a baby can use them too!

I've been using them since 8 weeks pregnant and horrendous sickness. WTF

Honestly I get that P&C spaces are a courtesy, and I get that at 37 weeks someone may consider using one due to mobility problems but fucking hell 8 weeks!!!!!

Yes I'm only 34 weeks pregnant and have done on a couple of occasions. And if anyone was silly enough to question me about it, they'd get the same response that Beryl Streep's friend gave!

Honestly I get that P&C spaces are a courtesy, and I get that at 37 weeks someone may consider using one due to mobility problems but fucking hell 8 weeks!!!!!

Well I haven't/won't be using it at 40 weeks so I don't see an issue? I was with a child too... Just a very tiny one causing me horrendous sickness to the point of needing a vomit every 20 minutes at least.

Yes I've always seen them as useful for people trying to transport or walk with young children. Not sure having one in your belly really counts! But I guess I was fit, healthy and very mobile in all my pregnancies so never felt the need to use them. But I wouldn't judge those that do

i was with a child too... Just a very tiny one causing me horrendous sickness to the point of needing a vomit every 20 minutes at least. sorry but I don't see how parking in a bigger space could be of any benefit to morning sickness

Sainsburys (or was it maybe Tesco, can't remember where I shopped 10years ago) used to say heavily pg mothers could use the spaces.

Hang on- someone got fined for this, can't remember which supermarket it was, but it was proper news

I did and certainly wouldn't begrudge other heavily pregnant women using them either! Wide opening spaces are useful with a big bump! I had bad pelvic pain late in my pregnancy.

Yes definitely. It's bloody difficult getting out of a car when heavily pregnant, especially when there's a small space between the next car. And then hauling your belly around the shops.

I did from about 35 weeks i think, and no one ever had a problem.

I am not pregnant but used one recently for two minutes.

Got bloody fined for it!