Quick Answer

Best toilets for pregnant women: Department stores (John Lewis, M&S) have the cleanest facilities. Shopping centres offer multiple options. Get a Just Can't Wait card (~£5) to explain urgent needs. You can use accessible toiletsif you need grab rails or extra space. Plan routes with frequent toilet stops - pregnancy increases bathroom visits significantly.

Best Toilets for Pregnant Women UK 2025

Who This Guide Is For

✓ Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
✓ Those experiencing frequent urination or urgency
✓ Women dealing with morning sickness
✓ Pregnant women with mobility challenges in later stages
✓ Partners and family planning outings with pregnant loved ones

Why Toilet Access Matters During Pregnancy

Pregnancy dramatically changes bathroom needs. Here's what many expectant mothers experience:

First Trimester

• Increased urination due to hormonal changes
• Morning sickness (may need toilet quickly)
• Fatigue affecting mobility

Third Trimester

• Baby pressing on bladder - very frequent toilet trips
• Difficulty with balance and mobility
• May need grab rails for support
• More space needed in cubicle

Best Toilet Locations for Pregnant Women

🥇 Excellent

John Lewis: Exceptional cleanliness, often have dedicated parent rooms, comfortable seating areas nearby for resting
M&S: Clean facilities, usually quiet, accessible options available
Shopping Centres: Multiple toilet blocks, so never far from facilities. Often have Changing Places with extra space
Mothercare/Baby Shops: Specifically designed with expectant mothers in mind

🥈 Very Good

Large Supermarkets: Usually clean, near entrance, accessible options
Garden Centres: Often senior/family-friendly, cafés with facilities
Hotels: Lobby toilets usually excellent quality and available to non-guests
Maternity Units/Hospitals: Designed for pregnant women, but may be busy

🥉 Acceptable

Cafés/Restaurants: Variable quality, but usually accessible to customers
Libraries: Free and clean, but limited hours
Train Stations: Available but can be busy

⚠️ Best Avoided

Council Public Toilets: Variable cleanliness, many closed
Festival/Event Toilets: Often portaloos - difficult for pregnant women
Small Pubs: Often cramped, may not be very clean

What to Look For in a Toilet

Essential Features

✅ Cleanliness: Hygiene is crucial during pregnancy
✅ Sink nearby: For handwashing and freshening up
✅ Good ventilation: Helps with nausea
✅ Privacy: In case of morning sickness
✅ Quick access: Minimal queuing

Helpful Extras (Later Stages)

✅ Grab rails: For support sitting/standing
✅ Extra space: Easier to manoeuvre
✅ Nearby seating: For resting before/after
✅ Ground floor: Avoid stairs if possible

Useful Tools for Pregnant Women

💳 Just Can't Wait Card

Explains you need urgent toilet access due to a medical condition. Pregnancy qualifies. Helpful for gaining access to staff toilets or skipping queues.

Cost: ~£5 from Bladder & Bowel UK

📱 ToiletNearMe App

Free app to find nearby toilets. Essential for planning routes with regular toilet stops.

Free at toiletnearme.co.uk

🔑 RADAR Key (If Needed)

If you have complications or mobility issues, a RADAR key opens 9,000+ accessible toilets. Available to anyone who needs accessible facilities.

Cost: £4.50 from Disability Rights UK

👜 Emergency Kit

Carry: wet wipes, tissues, sick bags (for morning sickness), water, mints, spare underwear.

Keep in your bag at all times

Tips by Stage of Pregnancy

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)

• Know where toilets are for sudden nausea
• Carry sick bags in your handbag
• Identify venues with good ventilation
• Don't wait until desperate - use toilets when available

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-26)

• Often the easiest trimester for toilet access
• Establish toilet-finding habits for later
• Get familiar with the ToiletNearMe app
• Consider getting a Just Can't Wait card

Third Trimester (Weeks 27-40)

• Plan routes with multiple toilet stops
• Use accessible toilets if you need extra space/support
• Allow extra time for outings
• Stick to familiar venues where you know the toilets
• Consider mobility - avoid venues with lots of stairs

Can Pregnant Women Use Accessible Toilets?

Yes! Accessible toilets are for anyone who needs the facilities they provide. As a pregnant woman, you may need:

✓ Extra space to manoeuvre, especially in later stages
✓ Grab rails for support when sitting/standing
✓ Privacy for managing morning sickness
✓ Quick access without queuing

Don't feel you can't use accessible facilities. They're not just for wheelchair users - they're for anyone who needs them, including pregnant women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need the toilet so often during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body produces extra fluids and your growing uterus presses on your bladder. This is especially noticeable in the first trimester (hormonal) and third trimester (baby's size). Some women need to urinate every 1-2 hours.

Can I get a Just Can't Wait card while pregnant?

Yes. Pregnancy qualifies as a condition requiring urgent toilet access. The card costs around £5 from Bladder & Bowel UK and can help you gain access to staff toilets or explain your urgent need.

What if I feel too sick to make it to a toilet?

Carry sick bags in your handbag during the first trimester. They're small, discreet, and can be a lifesaver if nausea strikes suddenly. Ginger sweets and mints can also help settle your stomach.

Are baby changing facilities useful before the baby arrives?

Actually yes! Parent rooms often have larger spaces, seating, sinks, and more privacy. They can be a good option for pregnant women who need extra space or somewhere to rest and freshen up.

Find Clean Toilets Near You

Use our toilet finder to plan your route with regular stops.

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