TIPS FOR COMMUTING WHILST PREGNANT

The journey to and from your place of work can be an exhausting and stressful part of your day when you are pregnant, particularly if you travel by public transport. Trains can get hot, crowded and stuffy and you may have to stand. However, there are a number of ways you can make your daily commute a bit more bearable.

Carry snacks

Keep morning sickness and dizziness at bay by always carrying a natural energy-giving snacks like oat cakes, fruit and nuts, to keep your blood sugar up.

Stay hydrated

Remember to stay hydrated and always have a bottle of water to hand and take regular sips.

Ask for a seat

If you are on a crowded train, people may not see your pregnancy bump or they may not want to cause offence, in case you are not pregnant. Check for priority seating areas because many train companies have cards for priority seats and other passengers will automatically offer these to people on the priority seat card scheme.

Get a badge

If you are travelling by London tube, always wear your ‘Baby on Board’ badge to let other travellers know you are pregnant. These are particularly useful in the colder months or earlier stages of your pregnancy, when your bump might not be visible.

Apply for a season ticket upgrade

Some train companies, including First Great Western, Virgin Trains, Greater Anglia, First Capital Connect, South Western Railway and East Midlands offer a season ticket upgrade for pregnant women. These passes allow you to sit in First Class seats when none are available in the standard carriages.

Request flexible working

If you have been working for your employer for more than 26 weeks, you can chat to your boss or HR manager to request flexible working. This means changing your working hours, so you are still working the same number of hours but commuting outside of rush hour, making your journey easier. You could also ask to work from home one or two days a week, to lessen the strain on you. Many employers will be open to the idea of working from home in the last month or two of pregnancy, depending on the job.

Get comfortable

Ensure you make your commute as physically comfortable as possible. If it is winter, remove any thick clothing, so you do not over-heat. Sometimes popping a small item of clothing behind your back can help support your lower back. As you centre of gravity changes, it will be more comfortable to swap your heels for trainers. Just leave a few pairs of different shoes for work underneath your desk.

Wash your hands

Make sure you wash your hands after travelling and before eating. Women’s immunity dips during pregnancy making it easier to pick up germs and bugs.

Think about your posture

It is a good idea to think about your posture when you are travelling, so you do not put any unnecessary strain on your body. Sit with your shoulder back and neck long and keep your weight evenly spread through both hips and legs. If your commute is a long one, remember to wriggle your toes to pump blood around your feet and lower legs.

Try to relax

If you can, try to make your commute as relaxing as possible. Listening to music, an audio book or a podcast can help to take your mind off your journey.