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Store Refuses To Let Pregnant Woman Use Their Toilet, Making Her Wet Herself

Store Refuses To Let Pregnant Woman Use Their Toilet, Making Her Wet Herself

Store Refuses To Let Pregnant Woman Use Their Toilet, Making Her Wet HerselfHeavily Pregnant Lady Wets Herself After Not Getting Into Shop’s Staff Bathroom, Vents OnlinePregnant Lady Vents Online About A Shop Making Her Pee Herself By Not Letting Her In Staff ToiletA Pregnant Lady Wets Herself After Being Denied Access To Shop’s Staff ToiletHeavily Pregnant Lady Wets Herself In A Store After They Refuse To Allow Her To Use Their BathroomShop Doesn’t Let Heavily Pregnant Woman Into Their Staff Toilet, She Wets Herself On The SpotHeavily Pregnant Lady Seeks Advice After Wetting Herself When Shop Didn't Let Her Use Their ToiletStore Refuses To Let Pregnant Woman Use Their Toilet, Making Her Wet HerselfStore Refuses To Let Pregnant Woman Use Their Toilet, Making Her Wet HerselfStore Refuses To Let Pregnant Woman Use Their Toilet, Making Her Wet Herself
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Being pregnant is not an easy task. Not only are you growing a human being inside of you, but it also comes with various side effects. Some of them are more controllable, while others are not so much.

For example, incontinence, which embarrassed the author of today’s post so much that she came online to complain. Granted, she didn’t complain about the side effect itself, but rather how unkind she found a shop’s worker who didn’t let her use the staff bathroom and basically forced her to have an accident in the shop.

More info: Mumsnet

If growing a person inside of you wasn’t hard enough, pregnancy comes with many other side effects that make this journey even harder

Image credits: Garon Piceli / Pexels (not the actual photo)

A heavily pregnant woman feels the urge to pee, so she pops into a nearby store and asks to use the staff’s bathroom, but they don’t let her

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Image credits: Sludge G / Flickr (not the actual photo)

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Image credits: pelvicfloorisnomore

She wets herself even before leaving the shop, and later on she writes a post online about how people should be kinder when it comes to pregnant women and bathrooms

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At the time when the OP wrote her post, she was imminently due with her baby, who is her third kid. 

Typically, during any stage of a pregnancy, a woman feels a need to frequently urinate. In the beginning, it’s due to hormonal changes, while later it’s because a woman becomes larger to house a baby, which pushes against the bladder. In the last couple of weeks, emptying the bladder completely might be impossible. 

That means incontinence, at least some, can be quite likely since the pelvic floor is weakened. Especially when coughing, sneezing, lifting things, and so on. Today’s OP can confirm that. In fact, pregnancy-related incontinence is why this post exists. 

So, one day she took her kids to school, and on her way home she realized that she desperately needed to use a bathroom. Not only was she heavily pregnant, but also her pelvic floor was very weak from the last 2 pregnancies. Basically, it was an accident waiting to happen. 

There were no public bathrooms anywhere close by, so she went into a shop on her way and asked to use the employee bathroom. 

The lack of available public bathrooms affects not only pregnant women but other people too. In 2019 a study found that around 20% of people in the United Kingdom don’t go out as much as they would like because of limited bathroom access. Then, 50% of the public restricts their fluid intake so they don’t need to go to the toilet when out. 

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Image credits: Ivan Samkov / Pexels (not the actual photo)

Yet, in some cases, like, again, pregnancy, there’s no way to control incontinence. So, what else could the OP have done except ask to use the staff’s restroom? There was no way for her to make it home in time. Well, apparently the employee bathroom wasn’t a choice either, as the employee didn’t let her in. 

The reasons why staff might refuse to let customers use their bathroom can be various. As this Quora answer suggests, it could be due to the fact that staff toilets aren’t public spaces, and letting anyone in might pose a security or health risk. Other answers, like this one, say it could be due to a place wanting to avoid problems with insurance companies. 

The OP wasn’t let in because it was against the company’s policy. Sadly, due to this, this experience quickly became humiliating for the woman. She peed herself before even making it outside of the shop. Needless to say, the walk home was embarrassing for her. She said it could have been avoided if the staff had shown her a little kindness. 

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People online felt compassion for the woman. Quite a few of them also kind of understood why the staff member didn’t let her in. It might not have to do with kindness, but with the fact that disregarding company policy might contribute to them losing their job. 

Well, as one of the comments pointed out, the question of more public bathrooms should be raised. With more of them, stories like this one wouldn’t be happening. Pregnant women wouldn’t be forced to wet themselves, shop staff wouldn’t be accused of being unkind, and many other people could go out more freely, knowing there’s a bathroom nearby. Everyone would win. But maybe that’s too utopian – who can tell?

Folks online felt empathetic for her, but also pointed out that staff not letting her into their bathroom might have nothing to do with kindness, but rather with them wanting to keep their jobs

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Image credits: Jan Antonin Kolar / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

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Ugnė Bulotaitė

Ugnė Bulotaitė

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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I am a writer at Bored Panda. I have loved creating and writing down stories about people and things since I was little and I think this passion led me to get degrees in sociology, communication, and journalism. These degrees opened various paths for me, and I got a chance to be a volunteer in the human rights field, and also try myself out in social research and journalism areas. Besides writing, my passions include pop culture: music, movies, TV shows; literature, and board games. In fact, I have been dubbed a board games devotee by some people in my life.

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Ugnė Bulotaitė

Ugnė Bulotaitė

Writer, BoredPanda staff

I am a writer at Bored Panda. I have loved creating and writing down stories about people and things since I was little and I think this passion led me to get degrees in sociology, communication, and journalism. These degrees opened various paths for me, and I got a chance to be a volunteer in the human rights field, and also try myself out in social research and journalism areas. Besides writing, my passions include pop culture: music, movies, TV shows; literature, and board games. In fact, I have been dubbed a board games devotee by some people in my life.

Monika Pašukonytė

Monika Pašukonytė

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

Read less »

Monika Pašukonytė

Monika Pašukonytė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

How important do you think it is for cities to invest in more public restrooms?
Add photo comments
POST
arthbach
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I own a shop. Our general rule is the loo is for members of staff. However, we will never deny access to someone who needs it. This might be for a child, an elderly person, someone with a disability, or those who are pregnant. There is a public loo about 5 minutes away, but there are are all sorts of reasons why a person might need to go, and need to go NOW.

Megan Contreras
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those that said to plan better clearly haven't had a 8 or 9 pound child use their bladder as a punching bag or some place to sit. The only way to "plan better" would be not to drink water for hours leading up to going out. On the same note, I can understand why they didn't let someone use the bathroom there could be sonny different ways it could go south including losing a job. I kind of understand. I have no good answer for this. I get both sides, it was just a tough situation where I don't think anyone was really in the wrong.

pyanfaruk
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had the same problem in a Sainsburys when the public loos were out of order. The manager escorted me to the staff ones, explaining that they couldn't let me go on my own because of the insurance rules. Waited outside for me, then escorted me back to the sales floor. Kudos to them for helping someone without breaking their rules.

Trillian
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, I would have expected the same. It's just effing decency not to humiliate someone.

marcelo D.
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

would you let yourself be fired (which has happened) for letting an unautorized person where they shouldn't be?

Load More Replies...
Ms.GB
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know that episode of Seinfeld where he's talking about having a pee card...yeah I actually do have a pee card. I don't have uromycetisis but I have interstitial cystitis. My nephew stole my card. He and his friends are probably out there peeing all over the city!

Cerise Hood
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's pregnant! There is a literal human growing and pushing against everything. How can she possibly plan for every time she needs a bathroom?!

KillerKiwi
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“You should’ve planned better.” What is she supposed to do?? She said she went to the loo before going on the walk. Would you rather her find some bushes, or perhaps bring an empty cup along??

AisForRebel
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The unfortunate thing is you let one person you need to let them all. If you don't allow anyone that's how you avoid getting sued by someone for discrimination. This is the world we now live in.

The Doom Song
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was out with my heavily pregnant friend on day and she realised she had to pee, poor thing was almost in tears and I took her to the nearest shop and asked the shop attendant " hey can my friend please use your toilet?" The attendant went to say something but then saw my friend and was like "yep follow me!" I am still grateful to this day.

Roberta Surprenant
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked at a 7-11 where there was no public bathroom. I made exceptions for pregnant women, been through that myself.

Broadredpanda
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THAT FIRST COMMENT!!!! You are the reason why people don't speak up! Who TF are you to say that? DID she say was disabled? NO! READ THE WHOLE THING YOU JUDGEMENTAL AH! I can't believe a f*****g troll gets enough awards to have their comment up first. So sorry OP that there's some horrible people on here and that the person was a complete b***h (like some of those who commented) and wouldn't let you use their toilet. I'm totally pissed off tonight reading some of these.

Snow_White
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The replies, the views about this is disgusting. I live in UK and can confirm there aren't many public toilets and if there are, it's not the place you should go. Sometimes, for women, there are situations where we have to use any bathroom around. To say, you can't because of insurance is f*****g stupid. It's one of situation, why doesn't British public use a little bit of common sense once in a while? How would that insurance company react if the lady would make her experience public?

FreeTheUnicorn
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you think others haven't? Insurance companies do not care. Analogous situations have been fought and refought in courts. If the general public weren't so stupid and prone to trips slips and falls, grabbing items that aren't theirs etc the laws would be different.

Load More Replies...
Marno C.
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to be a Karen, but OP could try writing a letter to management asking if there is any room in their policies for common sense and compassion for customers. OP says there are no public washrooms nearby. Surely this shop sees elderly people, pregnant women, small children, and people with health issues on the daily. Either they wind up with people having very unhygienic accidents (bad for a food store) or people avoid this shop to go somewhere with better amenities. Can staff not be allowed to use their judgment for clear emergencies? As it is, OP is likely to avoid shopping there as much out of both embarrassment and bladder necessity. Maybe the shop is ok with this pro/con trade off, or maybe they aren't. It's possible they haven't thought it through that much.

Don Adams
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are rules, so there are also exceptions. I have managed retail pet stores, and also warehouses. On rare occasions, someone with a desperate look would come in and ask to use the facilities. The answer to them was yes. I, or and associate, would escort the person to the bathroom, but not hover while they were in there (think standing about 20' from the door), and then escort them out. It is beyond me why anyone would not help a fellow person in distress. Proud to say no one ever messed themselves on my watch.

Robyn H
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow the people that commented on OP original post were pretty darn mean. One hopes they never find themselves in a situation where they desperately need a bit of kindness to be shown to them.

Fat Harry (Oi / You)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Insurance might be the reason, but it's hardly an insurmountable problem. I used to work at a shoe shop with no public toilet, but if someone was in need then we would escort them to the staff toilet, explaining that we had to take them for insurance purposes, and just wait outside while they used them.

FreeTheUnicorn
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If your bladder is that sensitive (and by third kid you should know that it is) wear pants that can absorb urine. Period pants work, but there are pregnancy ones that will be more comfortable. This time you were at a shop, but next time, you might be in the car or in simply between places on your walk. It took bad you couldn't use the toilet at the coop, but it's also not their responsibility.

Jason C
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This poor lady is the next in a long line of people who will be using Amazon Prime to obliterate brick and mortar stores where you can't pee, try something on, get checked out by a human. It seems like stores are making sure they are obsolete.

Baba 35
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well I'd be finding a new shop to do my shopping from now on, they won't miss one customer but , how they expect you to go back after something like that happening and staff knowing and grinning everytime went back in.

Elle Gea
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg they should of just let her use the loo.everuomea.uo their own a*s pn policy this policy that eff that swhs heavy pregnant she just eeded to relive herself before her walk.home ae we not human anymore are we all robots I wonder sometimes whats wrong with 90.pecent of the population soeomewrpte she needstp pan better wow whah am.arsehole that was wi left that comment

Bookworm
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I feel for her the store was right not to let her use their restroom. She needs to plan better/find products to help her. Insurance wouldn't have covered her or the baby if anything happened. Also people lie and will steal from the store or employees ruining the chance to use the restroom for those who really need it.

arthbach
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I own a shop. Our general rule is the loo is for members of staff. However, we will never deny access to someone who needs it. This might be for a child, an elderly person, someone with a disability, or those who are pregnant. There is a public loo about 5 minutes away, but there are are all sorts of reasons why a person might need to go, and need to go NOW.

Megan Contreras
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those that said to plan better clearly haven't had a 8 or 9 pound child use their bladder as a punching bag or some place to sit. The only way to "plan better" would be not to drink water for hours leading up to going out. On the same note, I can understand why they didn't let someone use the bathroom there could be sonny different ways it could go south including losing a job. I kind of understand. I have no good answer for this. I get both sides, it was just a tough situation where I don't think anyone was really in the wrong.

pyanfaruk
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had the same problem in a Sainsburys when the public loos were out of order. The manager escorted me to the staff ones, explaining that they couldn't let me go on my own because of the insurance rules. Waited outside for me, then escorted me back to the sales floor. Kudos to them for helping someone without breaking their rules.

Trillian
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, I would have expected the same. It's just effing decency not to humiliate someone.

marcelo D.
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

would you let yourself be fired (which has happened) for letting an unautorized person where they shouldn't be?

Load More Replies...
Ms.GB
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You know that episode of Seinfeld where he's talking about having a pee card...yeah I actually do have a pee card. I don't have uromycetisis but I have interstitial cystitis. My nephew stole my card. He and his friends are probably out there peeing all over the city!

Cerise Hood
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's pregnant! There is a literal human growing and pushing against everything. How can she possibly plan for every time she needs a bathroom?!

KillerKiwi
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“You should’ve planned better.” What is she supposed to do?? She said she went to the loo before going on the walk. Would you rather her find some bushes, or perhaps bring an empty cup along??

AisForRebel
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The unfortunate thing is you let one person you need to let them all. If you don't allow anyone that's how you avoid getting sued by someone for discrimination. This is the world we now live in.

The Doom Song
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was out with my heavily pregnant friend on day and she realised she had to pee, poor thing was almost in tears and I took her to the nearest shop and asked the shop attendant " hey can my friend please use your toilet?" The attendant went to say something but then saw my friend and was like "yep follow me!" I am still grateful to this day.

Roberta Surprenant
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked at a 7-11 where there was no public bathroom. I made exceptions for pregnant women, been through that myself.

Broadredpanda
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THAT FIRST COMMENT!!!! You are the reason why people don't speak up! Who TF are you to say that? DID she say was disabled? NO! READ THE WHOLE THING YOU JUDGEMENTAL AH! I can't believe a f*****g troll gets enough awards to have their comment up first. So sorry OP that there's some horrible people on here and that the person was a complete b***h (like some of those who commented) and wouldn't let you use their toilet. I'm totally pissed off tonight reading some of these.

Snow_White
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The replies, the views about this is disgusting. I live in UK and can confirm there aren't many public toilets and if there are, it's not the place you should go. Sometimes, for women, there are situations where we have to use any bathroom around. To say, you can't because of insurance is f*****g stupid. It's one of situation, why doesn't British public use a little bit of common sense once in a while? How would that insurance company react if the lady would make her experience public?

FreeTheUnicorn
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you think others haven't? Insurance companies do not care. Analogous situations have been fought and refought in courts. If the general public weren't so stupid and prone to trips slips and falls, grabbing items that aren't theirs etc the laws would be different.

Load More Replies...
Marno C.
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to be a Karen, but OP could try writing a letter to management asking if there is any room in their policies for common sense and compassion for customers. OP says there are no public washrooms nearby. Surely this shop sees elderly people, pregnant women, small children, and people with health issues on the daily. Either they wind up with people having very unhygienic accidents (bad for a food store) or people avoid this shop to go somewhere with better amenities. Can staff not be allowed to use their judgment for clear emergencies? As it is, OP is likely to avoid shopping there as much out of both embarrassment and bladder necessity. Maybe the shop is ok with this pro/con trade off, or maybe they aren't. It's possible they haven't thought it through that much.

Don Adams
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are rules, so there are also exceptions. I have managed retail pet stores, and also warehouses. On rare occasions, someone with a desperate look would come in and ask to use the facilities. The answer to them was yes. I, or and associate, would escort the person to the bathroom, but not hover while they were in there (think standing about 20' from the door), and then escort them out. It is beyond me why anyone would not help a fellow person in distress. Proud to say no one ever messed themselves on my watch.

Robyn H
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow the people that commented on OP original post were pretty darn mean. One hopes they never find themselves in a situation where they desperately need a bit of kindness to be shown to them.

Fat Harry (Oi / You)
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Insurance might be the reason, but it's hardly an insurmountable problem. I used to work at a shoe shop with no public toilet, but if someone was in need then we would escort them to the staff toilet, explaining that we had to take them for insurance purposes, and just wait outside while they used them.

FreeTheUnicorn
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If your bladder is that sensitive (and by third kid you should know that it is) wear pants that can absorb urine. Period pants work, but there are pregnancy ones that will be more comfortable. This time you were at a shop, but next time, you might be in the car or in simply between places on your walk. It took bad you couldn't use the toilet at the coop, but it's also not their responsibility.

Jason C
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This poor lady is the next in a long line of people who will be using Amazon Prime to obliterate brick and mortar stores where you can't pee, try something on, get checked out by a human. It seems like stores are making sure they are obsolete.

Baba 35
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well I'd be finding a new shop to do my shopping from now on, they won't miss one customer but , how they expect you to go back after something like that happening and staff knowing and grinning everytime went back in.

Elle Gea
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg they should of just let her use the loo.everuomea.uo their own a*s pn policy this policy that eff that swhs heavy pregnant she just eeded to relive herself before her walk.home ae we not human anymore are we all robots I wonder sometimes whats wrong with 90.pecent of the population soeomewrpte she needstp pan better wow whah am.arsehole that was wi left that comment

Bookworm
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I feel for her the store was right not to let her use their restroom. She needs to plan better/find products to help her. Insurance wouldn't have covered her or the baby if anything happened. Also people lie and will steal from the store or employees ruining the chance to use the restroom for those who really need it.

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