Commuting and working mums

[Oct18mummy]

Hi I’ve just found out I’m pregnant and am dreading commuting into London for my job as feeling so nauseous. I’m also concerned about my bump showing before I want to tell my employers at 12 weeks. Has anyone else got good tips for commuting whilst in early pregnancy and also work clothes to wear to not draw attention to bump! Thanks

I've not had much nausea but dreading getting on a crowded Manchester tram when I have a mahoosive bump!

I commute one day each week but it's a horrific journey with lots of connections. I've been finding it tough but I find that taking plenty to drink helps. In fact food and drink are critical for me in managing my nausea. I make sure I have the food that settles my tummy.

It's also the day that I'm off duty at home and DH does bedtime with our children etc. I get home and do nothing. Now obviously this may not work for you every day but perhaps there is a balance to be had. Let your standards drop and only do what you need to do.

Oh God...I just shuddered at the memory of commuting while pg.
It was a hot August/September and I fainted a handful of times on the crowded train into waterloo. On the plus side it showed me the good side of commuters. Every time it happened I found i'd been layed down on some seats and people always offered me water/tissues/sugary things.

My only tip is in the Autumn i'd stick my 'baby on board' badge to my jacket then stick it in my pocket when I got off the train.

Definetly get a baby on board badge and dont be afraid of asking for a seat...no one ever refused! (Probs cause I looked green/gray all the time!)

Several train companies (south west, thameslink, southern, possibly others) offer free first-class upgrades to pregnant season-ticket holders, if there are no standard seats available. You need to download and print a form from their website, then post it to them along with a photocopy of your MATB1 and a photocopy of your season ticket.

I have a horrendous commute (four trains each way) through London. I told my boss when I was 8 weeks pregnant because I needed the support. Best thing I did. He was really supportive, has suggested I start and finish late to avoid the crush and has also encouraged homeworking to avoid the faff, particularly if I wake up feeling blurgh. I would recommend telling work early (also, you're protected as soon as they know you're pregnant).

You need to download and print a form from their website, then post it to them along with a photocopy of your MATB1 and a photocopy of your season ticket.

This is a really helpful tip in general, but I don't think you get a MATB1 until 20 weeks, so won't help OP in first trimester. I'd definitely get a badge - obviously you can ask for a seat without one, but it might just make it a bit easier/make you feel a bit more confident doing it.

Most women don't have a bump until way after 12 weeks with a first pregnancy, and certainly not one that anyone else can see, so I wouldn't worry about that giving you away. I'm 19 weeks and it's only within the last week that people have started giving my stomach a second glance. I told work at 15 weeks and absolutely nobody had suspected before that.

Thank you everyone this is so helpful I will order my badge today, I have just been to the doctors and been given anti nausea tablets and off for some acupuncture tonight - I will try anything! 😊