Pregnancy TTC

Why don't TTC riders give pregnant women their seats?

I love the TTC. We're a one-car house and I want to stay that way. That means me riding the red rocket every day. Even during my first maternity leave I hauled my newborn all over the city on the rocket. He loved it and so did I (no torturous screaming car rides... I even nursed him on the subway once, much to the amusement of the 16 year old boys sitting across from us). We live on St Clair West and I love the dedicated streetcar line that is always harangued in the press. However, I have one major complaint. If I don't voice it I will turn it to THAT crazy lady on the subway.

TTC riders need to get off their asses and offer pregnant women seats.

If you aren't sure if a woman is pregnant, here are some clues:

  • If you can see her belly button through her clothes, she's pregnant.
  • If she's rubbing holding touching her belly, she's pregnant.
  • If she's slender everywhere except her stomach, she's pregnant.
  • If she makes desperate and/or rage-filled eye contact with you, she's pregnant.
  • If she's walking with her pelvis out and her hands on her back, she's pregnant.
  • If she's on her phone complaining to her friends about how no one offers pregnant women seats anymore, she's pregnant.

If you still aren't sure, just move. Don't even say anything to her. Just open that spot up.

And when your streetcar or subway comes to a stop, take a quick glance up from Fieldrunners or Fifty Shades - see any elderly people or pregnant women? No? Well, at least you checked.

Why should you offer a pregnant woman your seat? Other than basic etiquette you mean? Okay. When you're pregnant, even in early pregnancy, standing in one spot even for short periods of time can make you feel dizzy, faint and nauseous. Not to mention that with these new bodies our balance is off and we're more likely to tumble into someone's lap.

Thank you for listening.

This post was written by guest contributor Yasmine Abbasakoor. Photo by tapesonthefloor in the blogTO Flickr pool.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Transit disruptions and events will make for chaotic weekend getting around Toronto

Campaign to fire TTC CEO Rick Leary gaining momentum

Toronto's next iconic bridge just started construction

Federal workers required to be in office three days a week and Canadians aren't happy

Parasitic 'vampire fish' populations about to explode in Ontario lakes and rivers

Canada Dental Benefit now accepting more people and here's who can apply

Toronto's top doctor doubles down on plan to decriminalize all drugs for personal use

Ontario might have to wait another whole month for sizzling summer weather