Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt the urge to dash out of a restaurant to hurl in the parking lot while pregnant, only for bystanders to assume you’re just another tipsy patron on a Wednesday evening? Anyone else experienced that? Or how about that time you were 14 weeks along, flying cross-country to join your partner on a business trip, feeling green and clammy the entire flight while awkwardly asking a stranger to help with your luggage? (Yeah, that was me too.)
And who could forget the time you wandered through Home Depot, belly in tow, when a startled employee backed away as you swung around to ask for paint samples? It’s a universal struggle for many expectant mothers—one that’s prompted the Chicago Transit Authority to introduce a “pregnancy” button for women to wear on public transport. I think this initiative is absolutely fantastic!
But I do have a few burning questions. How do expecting mothers get their hands on this button? Will there be a cost? What will it look like? Will it simply say “Pregnant” or something more direct like “Move Over, Please!”? Could we also see other button options, such as “Don’t Touch My Belly!” for those uncomfortable family gatherings? The possibilities are endless!
While we wait for more details—like design and distribution plans—CTA spokesperson Brian Steele has assured us that they’re excited about this initiative. And so are we, Brian. SO. ARE. WE.
This isn’t CTA’s first attempt to enhance public transit for pregnant women. Back in 2015, they rolled out a courtesy campaign, urging passengers to maintain cleanliness, keep noise levels down, and offer their seats to pregnant individuals. Unfortunately, some riders still lack basic courtesy, so we appreciate this renewed effort.
It seems that even celebrities like Olivia Wilde have faced the discomfort of standing on the subway while heavily pregnant, reminding us that this issue resonates widely. Erin Fowler, a Chicago mom who struggled to find a seat on the L train, was inspired by the “Baby on Board” buttons seen in London and brought her concerns to a CTA board meeting. Clearly, the CTA is listening.
We don’t yet know when these buttons will arrive, but wouldn’t it be great if they were available soon? Especially during the sweltering summer months when expectant mothers have swollen feet and a desperate need to sit down. Instead of glancing around, hoping someone will notice their discomfort, they could wear a button announcing, “I’M PREGNANT—TIME TO MOVE!”
This initiative also benefits those who may not yet have prominent baby bumps but are equally in need of rest. Pregnancy can be exhausting, and as Dr. Julie Levitt from Northwestern Memorial Hospital explains, pregnant women are more prone to motion sickness and fainting when standing for extended periods. So, let’s all remember that pregnant women deserve a little extra space and courtesy.
Looking back, if I’d had a “Pregnancy” button during my more chaotic moments—like that time I rushed out of a seafood restaurant—I wouldn’t have had to shout, “I’m not drunk! I’m pregnant!” at confused onlookers. Or when I struggled to lift my suitcase in the overhead bin, I could have simply pointed to my button instead of feeling embarrassed.
By the end of my pregnancies, I no longer needed a button to announce my status; my belly was a clear signal. However, I could have used a button that read, “No, the baby won’t fall out in the paint aisle!” or “Please don’t touch my belly!”
If CTA wants to win over expectant mothers, here are a few fun suggestions for button designs. Let’s channel the humor of Ali Wong or the glam of Beyoncé, but please, avoid designs that make us look like we’re struggling—no regrets there.
And while you’re at it, how about a button that says “Not Pregnant, Just Enjoyed A Big Burrito”?
Thank you, CTA, for considering the “pregnancy button.” We’re all rooting for you to get it right!
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this article. If you’re interested in learning more about artificial insemination, check out this resource as well as this guide to infertility resources.
In summary, the CTA’s pregnancy button initiative promises to make public transport more accommodating for expectant mothers, encouraging courtesy and understanding in shared spaces. By facilitating communication about their needs, these buttons can help alleviate some of the challenges faced during pregnancy, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment.