by Midwest Mom

Created on: May 30, 2008

It is my opinion that reserved parking spaces for expectant mothers is excessive. While it seems like a favorable thought, the person who really needs parking close to the front of the store is the mom dragging a seven year old, a toddler and newborn in a stroller across a busy parking lot. Now that's a rough situation!

And how pregnant is pregnant? I didn't start showing until about four months into my pregnancy. There are no restrictive rules regarding these "courtesy" parking signs, and dare I say, not everyone is courteous. While the spots are meant for "very" pregnant women, there are lots of people who would take advantage of the situation in a crowded parking lot. If I had parked at one of these spots early in my pregnancy, would someone stand by my car and wait to chastise me? I've seen it happen at handicapped parking spots - and rightfully so. Legally, people with handicapped parking permits have the right to park in these reserved spots. People who use those spaces without permission should face consequences.

I've seen these signs at Babies 'R Us - a good of place as any for some expectant mom privileges. My large home furnishings store also has one and they don't even sell cribs or kids' furniture. Our local IKEA has a small section dedicated to "family-friendly" parking, where the parent and kids do not have to cross a street or intersection to go inside.

I'm sure there are plenty of pregnant women who cannot walk very far. In that case, the woman should go to her doctor, request a note and take it to the governmental body in her state that issues handicapped parking permits.

It's always appreciated to offer a little help to a very expectant mother. As a former city gal, I will ever be grateful to the kind woman who gave me her seat on a crowded commuter train after a long day at work. I was thankful the young grocery bagger who offered to take my cart of groceries to the car (in a regular spot). And those stores with spots for expectant moms may even get a little free publicity for it. With my luck, even if there was an expectant mom's parking spot, I would never be the first to get it - frustrating me even more!

Yes, it is tough to get out of the car when you are pregnant. Yes, your ankles may be as big as grapefruits. And yes, you're probably not wearing your favorite outfit and shoes. But it has been part of life for thousands of years - even before there were cars. So until parking spaces for pregnant women are legally required, these types of parking spots may produce goodwill to some, but in my mind are excessive.

Learn more about this author, Midwest Mom.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.