So, you’re expecting – congratulations! You might be dying to share your exciting news with the world, but when exactly should you do it?

Figuring out when to announce your pregnancy is a tricky question, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few factors to review that can help determine when exactly you want to let everyone in your life know that you’re a mama-to-be. 

Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

The first thing to consider is your comfort level with making such a personal announcement. Are you the type who prefers to keep your life private until the last minute, or are you bursting with excitement and want to shout this news from the rooftops?

It’s YOUR pregnancy, and at the end of the day, the most important factor (and really, the only one that matters) is how much you want to share with the world. 

The second thing to consider is your partner’s preferences to ensure you’re both on the same page. Do they want to keep the exciting news between the two of you for a while, or are they eager to let their loved ones know? Having a chat with your partner about when to make your pregnancy announcement is an important step toward making your ultimate decision.

Next, you’ll want to consider how far along you are. Many women wait until the end of their first trimester, or 12 weeks into their pregnancy, to share the news.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to be tied to this timing. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your doctor to decide when is the best time to share your exciting news. 

Another factor to consider is your workplace. If your job involves physical labor or potentially harmful materials, let your employer know early on. This way, they can make necessary accommodations and help you plan your leave for however long you decide to take one.

Remember, you’re protected under the law from discrimination regarding your pregnancy, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your employer retaliating against you for becoming pregnant.

Lastly, think about your support network. Who would you want to turn to if something went wrong?

It’s always a good idea to have a trusted circle of friends and family who know about your pregnancy and can offer support if needed, so consider sharing the news with a few of your most trusted loved ones before announcing it to everyone else. 

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when announcing your pregnancy is deciding who you’ll tell first. Every woman is different, and who you choose to share your pregnancy with — and in what order — is a totally personal decision. Don’t feel like you need to follow any specific order other than what feels right for you. 

Again, it’s important to have a few close loved ones you can rely on during your first trimester, and, of course, you’ll also want to let your partner know right away too. You’ll most likely want to share the news with your partner first, a trusted friend, and perhaps the grandparents-to-be. Once more time has passed, consider opening up the news to a wider circle of friends and family before making a formal announcement. 

Announcing a pregnancy is a huge moment in any couple’s life, and it’s natural to want to share the news with your loved ones in a fun and creative way.

Here are some of our favorites:

Share a photo of your ultrasound on social media, or send it to family and friends via email or text. This is a classic way to announce a pregnancy and can be a great way to get the news out quickly. 

Dress up in baby-themed t-shirts (“We’re Expecting” or “Can You Notice We’re Pregnant Yet?”) with your partner and take a photo to share on social media. Or, wear your shirts to a family party or other gathering and see how long it takes people to notice.

Wrap up a box and fill it with baby items like a pacifier, baby shoes, or a onesie. Invite your loved ones over for a surprise and have them open the box to reveal the big news. 

Order a box of balloons in pink or blue, depending on the gender you’re expecting, and fill a box with them. Have your loved ones open the box to learn that you’re expecting a baby boy or girl in a joyful, exciting way. 

Book a photoshoot with a professional photographer, and use the photos on social media or a personalized announcement card to let everyone know you’re expecting. (Bonus points for this one because now you have beautiful photos of your pregnancy.)

If you have a furry friend, get creative and use them to announce your pregnancy. Dress them up in a baby onesie or bib, or have them hold a sign with the announcement. Popular phrases include “I’m going to be a big brother” or “I’m getting a human!”

Whenever and with whomever you choose to share the news of your pregnancy, don’t be afraid to have fun with it. After all, there are only a few times in life that you get to make announcements of this type of scale — might as well make it count!

It’s no secret that the first trimester can be a total rollercoaster ride of emotions and physical changes. Keep reading for our best tips and tricks to help you make it through these first few months.

One of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy is morning sickness. The full range of symptoms associated with morning sickness can include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite — oh my! 

To manage these symptoms best, be prepared. Keep crackers, ginger ale, and other nausea remedies on hand, and try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Avoid spicy, greasy, or strong-smelling foods, as these may be more likely to trigger nausea, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. 

If your symptoms are severe or persistent, don’t hesitate to talk to your Ob/Gyn or another healthcare provider about treatment options.

Fatigue is another common symptom of early pregnancy, and it makes sense – your body is working HARD to grow a little human! To manage fatigue, focus on prioritizing rest and relaxation. Take naps when you can, go to bed early, and don’t feel guilty about taking some time off to relax. 

Exercise is also a great way to help boost your energy levels and get some endorphins when you’re feeling down. Try going on walks, taking a water aerobics class, or giving prenatal yoga a try. 

Aside from physical symptoms, pregnancy hormones can also cause mood swings, anxiety, and stress. To manage these symptoms, try self-care and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Talk to a friend or loved one about how you’re feeling, or consider joining a support group for pregnant women.

You might also try relaxation techniques that focus on your sense of well-being, such as unwinding in a warm bath, pregnancy-safe massage, or soothing bedtime rituals, such as smoothing some nourishing belly oil on your tummy.

Invest in products that should make your life easier, like calming head wraps for pregnancy headaches and compression socks to help with those pesky swollen ankles. 

And, as always, if your feelings of stress and anxiety are severe or affecting your daily life, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor about treatment options.

No matter how or when anyone else announces their pregnancy, at the end of the day, that decision is completely up to you. Pregnancy might be a difficult time in life, but it can also be transformational, and no one else’s opinion matters more during this time than yours. 

Whether you decide to let all your loved ones know right away or wait until you’re midway through the second trimester to make a grand social media announcement, the important thing is that you’re getting the support and help you need from your circle during this time. Pregnancy is tough, but you are tougher — and we’re confident you’ll get through this like a rockstar.

Sources:

When to tell people you are pregnant | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

What to Expect When You’re Expecting (and After the Birth of Your Child)…at Work | U.S. Department of Labor

First Trimester Of Pregnancy: What To Expect | Cleveland Clinic

Pregnancy Announcement Ideas for Instagram | Parents