London news - pregnant woman forced to STAND on Tube
A blogger said she was ignored by fellow commuters when she conducted a social experiment on the Tube in London during the UK’s intense heatwave, which has seen temperatures soar higher than 30C. Anna Whitehouse, known as Mother Pukka, wore a fake baby bump to reveal the attitudes of commuters towards expectant mothers. Only four out of ten passengers offered to give up their seats and another person agreed only once the blogger asked him.
SWNS The blogger found out that many commuters did not give up their seat for her
Only four out of ten passengers offered to give up their seats
Ms Whitehouse said: “I felt that perhaps I had to make a big deal out of being pregnant, like really put it on, rub the bump and failing that actually asking for a seat, which makes you feel very uncomfortable. “People are just not connected to what's going on around them. “Pregnancy is not a weakness, but it is a vulnerability and I felt this during my first trimester in particular.
“Busy, hot, and cramped commuting conditions can be incredibly stressful both physically and mentally, and being able to sit down can make a difference. “However, from my own experience, I find that people are either too engrossed in their phones to be aware of their surroundings, or won't offer their seat unless prompted.” Ms Whitehouse’s experience echoes a study by Mama Mio skincare which found only 60 percent of commuters would give up their seat for a pregnant woman.
SWNS Anna Whitehouse found that commuters were in their own worlds and did not all offer up their seats
The study found one in four people had not given up their seat for a woman that could be pregnant in case she was not expecting. Mama Mio conducted the research as part of their campaign, Expecting Change, urging mothers to not be afraid to ask a pregnant woman to give up their seat. Ms Whitehouse said: “I’d encourage anyone who needs a seat on public transport to wear a badge and make eye contact. If that fails, don't suffer in silence - ask for one!”
SWNS It can be very difficult for pregnant people to stand for long periods of time