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Underground to offer badges to pregnant women

London Underground (LU) is planning to issue badges to pregnant women to encourage other users to give up their seats.

The badges will bear the slogan Baby on Board, making it easier for pregnant passengers to be identified.

A study for LU found that those who needed to sit down felt they could not ask fellow passengers to give up their seats.

LU spokesperson Elizabeth Norris, said, "In the early stages of pregnancy when no-one can tell you're pregnant a lot of women feel sick and faint and it can be dangerous if they have to stand up in a crowded carriage.

"A badge would take the awkwardness out of the situation."

The research found that most passengers felt that pregnant women should be offered a seat.

Ms Norris said, "It is sad but true that passengers who need to sit down feel that they cannot ask fellow passengers for a seat.

"Priority seats on the Tube are clearly marked and anyone who really needs to sit down, including pregnant women, should ask."

Officials said they hoped the idea would give women the confidence to ask for a seat and encourage people to offer without being asked.

Emily O'Regan, who is 37 weeks pregnant, travels on the Tube from Wimbledon in south London to St James' Park, central London, everyday and said the badges were a good idea.

"It is sometimes difficult to tell if a woman is pregnant, especially in winter when everyone is wearing extra layers," she said.

"And on a crowded Tube people don't always see your bump.

"But a lot of people just aren't prepared to give up their seat so at least this way no-one can use the excuse that they didn't realise."

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