Pregnant in Italy? Not just Preggo, but prego!
I should preface this post with I have never been pregnant in the US so I am unaware if customs and culture are the same around being pregnant. I am pregnant with my second child here in Rome. Here pregnant women are treated like royalty…… most of the time. You have preferential treatment in the supermarket line or at any cash register for that matter. Have to go to the Post office, dmv or government office? Your growing belly will be your pass to the front of the line.
Recently I received notice that my citizenship paperwork was ready. My husband and I expected to wait hours in a tiny little office at the Prefettura in Via Ostiense. I was in line not more than a few minutes before one of the ladies who work there escorted me out of line and into a chair. A quick chat with a colleague and we were the next ones to be called. We managed to get through not one but TWO city offices that day and had our citizenship appointment set for a couple of days later.
My sister-in-law jokes that she will be taking me with her to Ikea the next time she goes so she can skip waiting in line. Now I have to admit there have been a few times that I have had to wait, I could have insisted but chose not to. I do request to skip the line if I have been on my feet all day and or when it’s really hot.
If you are pregnant in this city, know to expect this special treatment and don’t be surprised if they just don’t take “no, grazie” for an answer. Pregnancy can be exhausting, so enjoy this little perk while it last!