Finding out you're pregnant is one of life's most exciting moments. Whether it was a long-awaited journey or a beautiful surprise, sharing this news with your loved ones is a milestone worth celebrating in a way that feels special to you. From intimate revelations to grand gestures, the possibilities for announcing your pregnancy are endless!
In this guide, we'll explore everything from timing considerations to creative announcement ideas that will help make your pregnancy reveal as memorable as the journey ahead.
Pregnancy announcements have evolved from simple phone calls to elaborate productions worthy of their own Pinterest boards. But why has this moment become such a significant milestone?
Announcing your pregnancy is more than just sharing news—it's the first chapter in your story as a parent. It's acknowledging the profound change happening in your life and inviting others to join in your excitement. For many, it's also a moment of relief, especially after challenges with fertility or previous pregnancy losses.
Each pregnancy announcement is unique because it reflects your personal journey, relationships, and style. Whether you prefer intimate conversations or creative productions, how you share your news becomes part of your pregnancy story.
While there's no perfect time to announce your pregnancy, most people consider a few key factors when deciding when to share their news:
First Trimester Considerations
Traditionally, many wait until after the first trimester (around 12-14 weeks) when the risk of miscarriage significantly decreases. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 10-25% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with most occurring during the first trimester.
Personal Circumstances
Your personal situation plays a significant role in timing:
Work considerations:You might need to inform your employer earlier to arrange for accommodations or plan for maternity leave.
Health concerns: If you're experiencing severe morning sickness or have a high-risk pregnancy, you might share earlier with close family who can provide support.
Previous losses: Those who have experienced pregnancy loss might feel more comfortable waiting longer before announcing.
Many couples adopt a tiered approach:
Immediate family and closest friends: These might be the first to know, sometimes even before the 12-week mark.
Extended family and friends: Often told after the first trimester.
Colleagues and acquaintances: Usually informed later, often when physical changes become apparent.
Social media announcement:Typically comes after telling important people in person.
Remember, there's no wrong time to announce your pregnancy—it's entirely your decision based on your comfort level and circumstances.
The best announcement reflects your personality and relationship with the recipient. Here are some creative approaches for different audiences:
Social Media Announcements
In today's digital world, social media announcements let you share your joy with friends and family near and far in one fell swoop:
Here are 10 creative ideas for announcing your pregnancy on Instagram:
Holding Scan Over Belly - Share a tender photo of yourself holding the ultrasound scan over your belly while your partner kisses you with a caption like "Our hearts are full, our family is growing."
Pet Announcement- Feature your pet with a sign saying "Guard dog duty begins [month]" or "Being promoted to big brother/sister."
Calendar Highlight - Post a photo of a calendar with your due date circled and decorated with baby items around the edges.
Letter Board Announcement- Use a trendy letter board with a message like "Oh Baby! Joining us [Month Year]" alongside ultrasound photos.
Season-Themed Announcement- Create a seasonal announcement like "Fall-ing in love with our little pumpkin arriving in Spring" or "A little snowflake joins our winter wonderland in July."
Video Compilation of Reactions - Share a montage video of family members' reactions when you told them the news (with permission).
Pregnancy Test Flat Lay- Artfully arrange your positive test with baby items, ultrasound, and a calendar showing your due date for a stylish announcement.
Custom Mug Reveal- Take a photo holding mugs that say "Mom Est. 2025" and "Dad Est. 2025" while sharing a loving glance.
Minimalist Bump Silhouette - A simple, elegant silhouette photo of your early bump against natural light with a short caption like "Hello little one. We can't wait to meet you" and your due date.
Self-Care Moment - Share a cozy photo of yourself with Myrtle & Maude tea, a pregnancy book, and perhaps your first prenatal vitamins with a caption about embracing this new chapter and nourishing your body for two.
In-person announcements create unforgettable memories with those closest to you:
Custom gifts: Present grandparents-to-be with items like mugs saying "Promoted to Grandma/Grandpa, [Due Date]" or custom T-shirts announcing their new title.
Scavenger hunt: Create a trail of clues leading to your announcement, perhaps ending with baby items or an ultrasound photo.
Game night reveal: Modify a familiar game like Pictionary, charades, or Scrabble to work your announcement into gameplay.
Recipe card:Give parents or in-laws a special "recipe" card for grandparenthood with ingredients like "9 months of patience" and "lifetime supply of love."
Sibling announcements: If you have children already, let them wear a "Big Brother/Sister" shirt during a family gathering and wait for people to notice.
Surprise Announcements
Elements of surprise make announcements particularly memorable:
Photo session surprise:Arrange a family photo session and have the photographer capture the moment when you reveal the news.
Fortune cookies:Order custom fortune cookies with your announcement inside for a dinner with family or friends.
Calendar save-the-date:Mark your due date on a calendar and gift it to family members, waiting for them to discover the special date.
Voice recording toys: Record your announcement in a recordable storybook or stuffed animal and gift it to grandparents-to-be.
Scratch-off cards:Create custom scratch-off cards revealing your pregnancy news underneath.
Partner Announcements
Telling your partner deserves special consideration:
Baby items gift:Wrap up baby shoes, a book about fatherhood/parenthood, or a custom onesie.
Positive test presentation: Creatively present the positive pregnancy test, perhaps in a box with a note.
Food announcement: Serve baby-themed food like baby carrots with a note saying "Something small is growing..."
Custom label:Create a custom wine or beer label announcing the baby news to enjoy during a special dinner.
Future plans note: Write a note about all the things you're looking forward to doing together as parents.
Whatever method you choose, these tips can help make your announcement special:
Capture the Moment
If possible, arrange to have someone photograph or record the reactions when you tell key people like parents or siblings. These genuine reactions are priceless memories.
Be Sensitive to Others
While celebrating your joy, be mindful of those who may be struggling with fertility issues or pregnancy loss. Consider telling these friends or family members privately before making public announcements.
Include Important People First
Make sure close family and friends hear your news directly from you before seeing it on social media. A good rule of thumb: if you would expect them to be hurt learning about it online, tell them personally first.
Add Personal Elements
Incorporate elements that reflect your personality, relationship, or journey to parenthood. This might include hobbies, how you met, or references to challenges you've overcome together.
Practice Self-Care
Announcing a pregnancy can be emotionally intense, especially after fertility struggles or previous losses. Give yourself permission to announce in ways that feel safe and comfortable for you.
Before sharing your news, consider these practical aspects:
Privacy Boundaries
Decide in advance how much of your pregnancy journey you want to share publicly. Some people are comfortable sharing ultrasound images and regular updates, while others prefer more privacy.
Workplace Considerations
Research your company's maternity/paternity leave policies before announcing at work. Having this information helps you navigate professional conversations about your pregnancy.
Managing Reactions
Not everyone responds to pregnancy announcements as expected. Prepare for a range of reactions, from overwhelming excitement to more subdued responses. (Remember these people may be having fertility issues that they have not shared with you)
Health Considerations
If you're experiencing pregnancy complications or have a high-risk pregnancy, you might want to be selective about how much detail you share in your announcement.
At Myrtle & Maude, we understand that the pregnancy journey can be both exciting and challenging. That's why our pregnancy range is carefully formulated by expert herbalists specifically to support women through each stage of pregnancy. From our Fertility Tea for those trying to conceive to our Morning Sickness Tea with vitamin B6 for those tough first trimester days, our certified organic products are designed with your wellbeing in mind. We're proud to use biodegradable tea bags that are GMO-free, ensuring that while you care for your growing baby, we're caring for the planet they'll inherit.
Announcing your pregnancy is a deeply personal moment that deserves to be celebrated in a way that feels right for you. Whether you opt for a simple, intimate conversation or an elaborate reveal, the most important aspect is the joy and love being shared.
Remember that while this guide offers ideas and inspiration, there's no "right way" to announce your pregnancy. The best announcement is one that feels authentic to you and honours your unique journey to parenthood.
As you prepare to share your news, take a moment to cherish this special time. Before long, your announcement will give way to baby showers, nursery preparations, and eventually, the arrival of your little one.
Each step is worth celebrating, starting with those magical words: "We're having a baby!"
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "Early Pregnancy Loss."https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/early-pregnancy-loss
March of Dimes. "When and How to Announce Your Pregnancy."https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/when-and-how-to-announce-your-pregnancy
American Pregnancy Association. "Announcing Your Pregnancy."https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/planning/announcing-your-pregnancy/
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical conditions or health concerns, especially during pregnancy. Myrtle & Maude products are supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.