from botb: when is it appropriate...

alli&pat

to use the "expectant mom" parking spots at malls/stores/etc?  the girl who was asking was 6w along and a lot of people were defending why she should use them.  only a few people chimed in that they should be reserved for those toward the end of the pregnancy.

 what do you think?  have you used a spot?

JimsBride08

I started using them around 29-30 weeks.

houndbaby

I didn't start using those spots until I looked pregnant, but the only place I have ever found them is at BRU

JARbaby

1. When you are showing.

2. When you no longer need any exercise.

skaplan000

I think you should be close to full term or having a really bad day to use those parking spots. I used them once in a while when DS was an infant and the weather was crappy out but other then that dont touch those spots!! I always give people the stink eye if they dont have any infants or if their not pregnant. Thats one of my pet peeves.

JOEBunny

None of the stores I regularly shop at have them, but I would have loved to use them at 6 to 10 weeks.  I was exahusted all the time and had a 2 year old to take care of who refused to walk anywhere.  I would have been fine through my second tri, but now I am starting to slow down again.

alli&pat

JARbaby:

1. When you are showing.

2. When you no longer need any exercise.

that's what i ascribe to.  i have a history of back problems including surgery so as i get bigger, i assume i may use it if my back is really aching.  but right now?  i need the exercise!  and its pure laziness to park up front.  i was surprised by how many people told her she should use the spot because she was just as pg as the person who is 36w. 

mrsolsenk12

I Have not used them yet. I am still small enough to walk comfortably. I am sure I will use them plenty in a few months.

brideofscowboy

I have!

Right now parking lots are insane, icy  (I already bit it a few times), and it's cold outside. So we use them. If I'm feeling fantastic, it doesn't matter whether or not I get one, but on those days when my tail bone is killing me, it sure is nice.

I will say that using them in 1st tri or even early 2nd Tri is really not necessary, but it also depends on the person.

Bottom line? Who is to judge? As a side note (and another can of worms I'm sure) there are ppl who judge those who have disability parking passes and don't have obvious mobility issues...when the issue can be internal such as a bad cardiopulmonary condition....

SparkFish

Personally, I think it's kind of rude to use them unless you're big enough that you're having trouble getting around. IMO, those spots are meant to make life easier for expectant moms who get uncomfortable when they walk around. I wouldn't have even thought of using them until a week or two ago. Around 30 weeks I started to have pretty sore hips and a lot of pelvic floor pressure after walking for a few minutes, but until then I was fine and could have easily parked farther away and walked. Of course, some women get uncomfortable sooner, and that's fine, but 6 weeks seems like a stretch - I say leave those spots for the mommies who are farther along. She'll appreciate having those spots free when she's in her third trimester.

Temp159135562506975

i would never use them until i'm showing and too big to get around comfortably.... Trust me- your vag will hurt when you walk toward the end and you will REALLY appreciate getting one of those spots - and get really annoyed if you see some barely pg woman using it - and you have to park far away and walk!

just b/c parking is bad lately is not an excuse to use one - if you are not having any pain or issues walking around, etc.

cdschadenfroh

I'm guitly... DH and I ran to the store 3 days ago just to grab milk and something quick for dinner. The store wans't busy, I promise lol!!! He pulled in the spot. I was embarrased... I'm only 17wks today and not really showing. He thought it was funny though so we remained parked there. We were in and out in like 10 mins. That's the only time i've used it and don't plan on doing it again untill  I feel that I need to. I don' t think that will be for a while though.

beachbride19

The only place that has them around here is BRU but with DD I didn't use them until I was well into my 3rd tri, when getting around was definitely tougher. 

mrs.sheller

I don't think I'll ever use them.?

A short walk can't hurt me!

Not to mention...I have never seen one of those parking spaces anywhere!?

AzaleaM

I think they're silly unless the mom is to the point of having a lot of discomfort and trouble getting around, OR if the mom already has another small child that she is lugging around.  Otherwise, geez, get a little exercise.