When To Announce Your Pregnancy
There is no rulebook for “how’ or “when” to announce your pregnancy…
Today we are exploring reasons why some may choose to wait, why others might want to share the news they are expecting ASAP + some resources to help you share the news of your pregnancy with your loved ones!
As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, there is a lot of excitement around sharing the big news with the people most special in your life. There’s a common misconception that is still upheld in our culture by some that you should wait till at least 12 weeks or even till you are completely out of the first trimester before sharing the big news. For others, they may share as soon as they get a positive pregnancy test.
There is no right or wrong time to share or not share your special news. The perfect time is the time that makes sense for you and your life! However, you could be on the fence about what the right decision for you should be.
Let’s take a look at some different reasons people want to share the news of their pregnancy and why others may want to wait.
Some reasons why people wait to share:
Privacy- Some couples may want to have some time to process the news of becoming parents and share in the joy of having a secret just for them to know for a while before involving friends or family.
Risk of miscarriage- Unfortunately, the earliest weeks of pregnancy are the highest at risk of miscarriage. Some may feel more at ease waiting until their pregnancy has progressed before sharing intimate news with others. For some, this may feel to be the best decision that have had a difficult journey becoming pregnant or staying pregnant.
Employment- Even though there are laws in our country to protect pregnant workers, discrimination can still happen whether it is intentional or unintentional.
Waiting for a sonogram- Typically, the first appointment with your care provider could be between 8-12 weeks where you will be able to have an ultrasound (which is the procedure) and have a sonogram (the photo) to take with home with them. Many people use their sonograms for more formal announcements or to show their loved ones when they share the news.
Health of the baby- Prenatal testing is an option that is typically done later in pregnancy. Some people may be waiting to be able to have their prenatal testing done before letting others know that they are expecting. This can be due to health concerns the parents may have or be experiencing or other reasons that are unique to each family as well.
Some reasons why people share early:
Excitement- This is not to say that if you are waiting to share the news of your pregnancy that you aren’t excited. Rather, think about it as being so excited about a present to give someone that you tell the receiver of the present about the gift right after you bought it. For some, they just can’t contain that excitement and want people in their life to know as soon as possible.
Support- Choosing to share the news of your pregnancy early with your friends or family is a benefit should the pregnancy end, you would hopefully have love, care and support surround you during an incredibly difficult time. For many, going through miscarriage or pregnancy loss alone without anyone knowing they were expecting in the first place is incredibly difficult.
Difficulties of the first trimester- The first trimester is 12 weeks long and can be incredibly difficult for some. Some experience tender breasts and extreme exhaustion or fatigue. You could be experiencing food aversions, morning sickness (that can really be “all day” sickness) or a more severe form of morning sickness called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. These struggles may be hard to hide and you may want to go ahead and share the news so others in your life can be aware or help take the load off, especially if you have other children.
Searching for community- Some people may be searching for a community of other pregnant people who share similar due dates or are having a baby as well. For first time parents or parents that may have moved to a new area, finding a community of other young parents or parents-to-be can be a source of education, validation and encouragement.
Ways you can share the news:
Photoshoot- Today, many are opting to get professional photos taken to announce their pregnancy and share with family and friends. Some photographers we reccomend are:
Lightly Photography , based in Wilmington, NC & available to travel.
Hannah Harmon Photo, based in Sanford, NC & available to travel.
Chelsea Allegra , shoots in Wilmington, NC, Raleigh, NC & available to travel.
Announcement Cards- We love the simplistic beauty of the card options at Artifact Uprising. You can build your own card or use a selection of prebuilt layouts.
Announcing During a Holiday- There are many clever ways to incorporate your pregnancy announcement into any upcoming holidays. For example, around Christmas you can incorporate your announcement into a Holiday/Christmas present. To find customizable pregnancy announcement gifts, check out Etsy.
Cake Announcement- Some are waiting to do their pregnancy announcement and gender reveal all in one. Cake announcements have been wildly popular and there are many ideas on Pinterest!
