Expectant mothers often work up until close to their due dates. For those using the CTA to get to and from their jobs, it can be difficult to procure a seat – especially at peak transit times.
Though there are announcements over the loud speakers that ask riders to give up their seats for moms-to-be, many say they are still left standing.
Dr. Julie Levitt, a clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, told The Chicago Sun Times, “The tricky part in pregnancy is you’re more prone to motion sickness when you’re not the driver or the navigator, and just being able to take a load off by sitting down would be outstanding…The other thing that happens is that when you’re standing motionless, you’re more prone to fainting because the circulation in terms of moving blood back to the heart is a little slower in pregnant women.\”
So why aren\’t more riders offering up their seats? Two moms who have been proponents for the program, Erin Fowler and Megan Nufer, believe there are many reasons. Some people don\’t want to assume a woman is pregnant and are afraid of offending. Others might not realize someone is expecting, especially when everyone is bundled up in winter. And some just are too glued to their phone screens to notice.
Both women believe a button system, similar to those used in London, would greatly help. By wearing a button, moms-to-be can signal to other commuters that they would like a seat.
The program was first proposed by Fowler six years ago, and (finally) the CTA has indeed confirmed that a button program will begin later this year!
