Expecting Mother's Parking Space?

Question

Have you noticed some stores have "Expecting Mother's" Parking Space? I think they are neat but what if their was one of the signs for Expecting mother's and on the ground their was a sign painted handicaped, Can you still park there if your pregnant?

Have you also noticed Larger ppl whom arnt' Prego use the space to park as well?

Answer 1

Yes! As long as there is a SIGN stating 'expectant mothers/new mothers' you can park there. A lot of stores are taking old handicapped spaces and turning a few of those into spaces for us. As far as non preg people parking there, if you see one, report them, WITH their license plate number to the store if you see it happening!

Answer 2

I think everyone uses that space. And I don't think it's exactly fair, but I will say I've used it without being pregnant. I used it right after I had my daughter and there was nowhere close to park. I felt it was OK to use it since she was only a few weeks old and it was pouring down rain...I didn't see why I should park all the way in the back. However, if there was a painted handicap sign on the parking space with a sign for "expectant mothers" I'd still park there being pregnant. For sure! If they try to do anything, you can contest it.

While being pregnant, I didn't use the Expecting Mothers parking until I was about 8 months along. I felt I should leave it for the women that need it.

I think some "larger" people can be pregnant too. You can't always judge on appearance. I'm not huge, but I'm thicker than most and I didn't look pregnant until I was about 6 months along. I just looked "fat" and it sucked because people would look at me like I was just fat. After 6 months, I started really looking obviously pregnant so that was better. But yes, some bigger people as well as smaller people use those parking spots just because of pure laziness. However, that's another can of worms I won't open.

Answer 3

I have noticed all kinds of people tend to use the parking spots and probably just because their close, it's a shame but what can you do.

And if there is an expecting mothers spot w/ a painted handicapp sign it's was probably a handicapped spot first and they put the sign up after (considering expecting mother spots are fairly new) I would assume that either pregnant or handicap could park there.

Answer 4

I believe it was first a handicapped spot then they changed it to an expectant mother parking. YAs long as the sign is there you can go ahead.

As far as people parking there that aren't pregnant... I've noticed that even with handicapped spots (which I think is much worse then a non-pergnant person taking a pregnant woman's parking spot).

But, winter time if there wasn't any other spot to park and I was quite pregnant (especially if I already had kids) it would upset me quite a bit.

Summer time I wouldn't mind it at all because I need to get in my excercise anyways!

Answer 5

We have these at a grocery store where I live. Instead of the sign on the ground being a wheel chair, it is a stork. I think they are adorable. If big people want to park there, it doesn't bother me, I have to walk from way across the parking lot at all other stores anyway so it's no big deal to me. I feel differently about non-handicap people parking in handi-capped parking though. That is just tacky!!

Answer 6

I think the Expectant Mother's Parking spaces are wonderful! I've only seen them at my Ob's office and I think our local Toys R' Us has one space, that's it for my area though.
I have noticed all types of people using spaces that aren't designated for them. It's frustrating and actually sad that people can't care enough for each other to be kind and leave the spaces for those who need them.
Being pregnant isn't a disability, but I do think it's a shame how the U.S. treats pregnant women. We're lucky to get one or two extra spaces marked for expectant mothers, but just have to get over it if a teenager uses the space. . in other countries it's my understanding they receive grants when they give birth, PAID maternity leave, extended leave time. . the fathers are also paid for any time taken off! I could go on and on. . I say use the Expectant Mother's Parking. . if you are in week 1 of pregnancy or week 38 and enjoy it, at least we get that much!

Answer 7

Yes, as long as there's a sign stating that it's for expecting mother's or parents with children, you can use that spot even if it has a painted handicap sign on the ground.

I haven't seen many of the people who use those spots. Personally, I don't know why we have them. I think they were better when they were only for handicaps, and being pregnant or having children isn't a handicap in my books.

Answer 8

I just used this spot last week, it was nice with holiday traffic. Maybe it used to be a handicaped and they now changed it over but didnt think to take the paint off. Yeah some people are just lazy and will use the spot...but thats life huh?! I'm glad I got to use it atleast once before I have this baby.

Answer 9

I've seen people clearly not pregnant using those spaces. I believe those spaces are meant for women who are in their third trimester. I'm in my second trimester (5 months) and hardly showing. I'm fully capable of walking the few extra feet so I don't use them. There are other pregnant women that struggle doing daily things much more than I do. (when I get swollen feet and a big belly I'll reconsider using them)

Answer 10

i'll be perfectly honest here and will probably get thumbs down for my opinion, but i really dont care. I think those spots are ridiculous.
I don't see why a pregnant woman should be treated differently in that aspect. I know many elderly(but not disabled) that have a difficult time walking those extra few feet, yet they would probably get dirty looks if they used one of the expectant mother spots.
legally you can't do anything at all. there is no law in any state that requires the store to have them. its nothing mroe than a courtesy.
and yes, i do know what its like to be oh so swollen and huge and uncomfortably pregnant. but my doctor encouraged walking as exercise and those extra few feet were great to include in that.