From the moment you get a positive home pregnancy test, you can’t wait to share the good news with everyone you know and love. How do you tell your partner? Can you imagine how excited your relatives will be when you announce your pregnancy? While there are many adorable ways to celebrate the new addition to your life, it’s worth considering when is the best time to announce the pregnancy. And after you’ve weighed the pros and cons of announcing, it’s time for the fun part — choosing how you’ll share the good news. Finding the right timing for when to tell people you’re pregnant doesn’t have to be complicated. You can make this one of the most enjoyable parts!
When Is It Safe to Announce Your Pregnancy?
Most people wait until after their first trimester to share their pregnancy announcement. But how does this timeline affect when to tell people you’re pregnant? Unfortunately, 80% of miscarriages occur during the first trimester.1 But after this point, the chances of miscarriage drop to 2-4%, so while it can still happen, it’s less likely.2 Of course, when you announce your pregnancy is up to you and should be based on when you feel comfortable doing so.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Waiting to Announce Your Pregnancy
There are some benefits and challenges when you tell people you’re pregnant, no matter when you decide to announce. Some pros and cons of waiting to announce your pregnancy include:
Pro: Delaying Well-Intentioned but Annoying Comments
Remember that excitement that you couldn’t wait another moment to share? Unfortunately, with all that celebration of an announcement comes criticism and good advice. Everyone has an opinion and a million questions about your pregnancy, and waiting to tell people means you don’t have to hear them right away.
Con: No Early Support
Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your fifth, you’re excited! However, that excitement doesn’t stop your first trimester from feeling overwhelming. So, having support in these trying moments makes all the difference – the sooner, the better.
Pro: Making a Pregnancy Announcement with a Sonogram
Waiting to tell everyone until after your first trimester means being able to include a sonogram picture of your future bundle of joy with your pregnancy announcement. If you wait until after your 18-20 week ultrasound, it will be easier to see the image of your baby — and possibly the gender.4
Con: Having to Skirt Around the Truth
If you’re known to drink when you’re out with friends, and you suddenly stop drinking, you may feel compelled to come up with an excuse to hold off on questions until you’re ready. Choosing to delay your announcement means having some good reasons now. Here are some great ways to keep your pregnancy a secret.
Pro: Waiting to Tell Work Delays Overcautious Behavior
Pregnancy should be celebrated, and pregnant women should be well cared for. But your co-workers, boss, and even HR may be too wary of “light duty” suggestions and take it easy. There are laws in place to protect pregnant employees, but they don’t change the unspoken treatment and potential harassment. You know your limits; Waiting to tell people at work can keep things normal a little longer.
Con: Waiting to Tell Your Boss Means Hiding Excuses for Sick Days
If you’re experiencing morning sickness in your first trimester, you may be late for work or call it quits for the day. There is a good chance that management will understand your change in circumstances. So, telling your boss can mean not having to pass morning sickness off as the flu or food poisoning.
Sharing your good news is a lot of fun — so go ahead and shout it from the rooftops as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. Celebrating your expanding family is an incredibly exciting time! Whether you can’t wait to share or prefer to keep it all a little longer, the time will be right to announce this momentous occasion.
