Baby on Board badges and travel tips for pregnant passengers
Order your Baby on Board Badge
Congratulations on your upcoming arrival!
A Baby on Board badge lets other passengers know you’re in greater need of a seat so you can travel in comfort. Use them to travel on all trains and other transport means, in the UK and beyond.
Trainline's Baby on Board badges are free of charge and can be delivered to any address in the UK. Simply fill in the form below with your details so we can send you the badge.
The Baby on Board badges come in plain envelopes and are not for resale. Trainline supplies one Baby on Board badge per person.
The ultimate guide for train travel during pregnancy
Travelling by train is the safest and best option when travelling while pregnant. Train travel offers a turbulent-free and smooth ride, spacious and comfortable seats, and handy toilets. Even if perfectly safe, travelling by train can be challenging due to nausea, tiredness, and all the other fun symptoms caused by hormonal changes.
Usually, symptoms like nausea and headaches are stronger in the first trimester (week 1 to 13). Add the fact that you are not showing yet and travelling by train during this time can be really tricky!
The second trimester (week 14 to 27) is widely considered the best time to travel as the main symptoms of the first trimester are gone and your belly size is still compact enough to not create discomfort.
In the third trimester (week 28 to birth) travelling can be challenging due to the considerable size of the belly, leg cramps and general fatigue. Experts say it’s best to avoid lengthy travel after week 37 as birth can happen at any time.
Follow our tips below to make your train travel experience during pregnancy as enjoyable as possible.
1. Take your time and don't rush
Make sure to be early and reach the departure station with plenty of time to avoid last-minute rushes. While pregnant you won't be able to sprint to the platform to catch the train last minute and doing so might cause you to fill dizzy and unwell. Arriving early will also allow you to avoid crowds in the station and on the platform.
2. Keep hydrated!
Drinking water and juices can really help during pregnancy and avoid some common symptoms like tiredness and morning sickness. Experts advise you to drink at least 1.6 litres of water per day in pregnancy. Always carry a bottle of water with you, especially if the train service you travel on doesn’t have a bar service.
3. Don’t carry heavy luggage
When pregnant, your ligaments loosen and your joints become less stable, making it easier to pull a muscle or injure yourself. Avoid carrying heavy bags, use wheeled trolleys if you must transport heavy items. Ask for help to put your luggage in the panel above your head. If you need to carry items, wear a backpack so that the weight is evenly distributed, and the weight is closer to your body.
4. Sit comfortably and take advantage of the space in the carriage
Find a comfortable seat and try to change your position from time to time to avoid putting pressure on the same area. Choose a seat on the aisle to make it easier to stand up and sit down. Take advantage of the corridors and the space between compartments to stretch your legs and improve your blood circulation.
5. Pack some snacks
Hunger can manifest abruptly during pregnancy; while travelling always carry some healthy snacks rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats like fruits (bananas and apples are particularly handy for train travel), trail mix, granola bars, yogurts and smoothies. And don’t forget a chocolate bar!
6. If the nausea is bad, choose a place in the middle of the carriage
Vibrations and steering can make morning sickness and nausea worst. By sitting in the middle of the carriage you can limit the number of vibrations you feel. Ginger chews and salted crackers can help with morning sickness and are easy to carry while travelling.
7. If you are travelling for many hours, consider support stocking
From the second trimester, support stockings can help with blood circulation preventing blood from stagnating too long in the legs. They can be beneficial if you are travelling by train for many hours as you won’t have the option to lie with your legs up.
8. Carry a small pillow
A supportive lumbar back pillow placed behind your lower back on the train seat can help maintain the spine’s natural curve and really help with back pain, especially if you are travelling for more than one hour.
Information for travelling while pregnant by railway operator in the UK
Some railway companies have special policies to help pregnant women on their train journey, mostly offering a First-Class upgrade.