When should you make a pregnancy announcement? Plus, how to do it

RelationshipsWomen's Health

Sep 1

Written By Calm Editorial Team

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA

Not sure how to announce your pregnancy? Learn when to share, what to consider before you do, and 21 thoughtful ways to announce your big news to everyone in your life.

Finding out you’re pregnant is a life-changing milestone — but unlike a graduation or a wedding, it often happens in private. Maybe you’re in your bathroom, holding a pregnancy test with trembling hands, or perhaps you’re in a doctor’s office, smiling at an early ultrasound. No matter how it happens, you’re instantly holding a secret that feels… bigger than big. So the question is: How and when do you share it?

The truth is, there’s no one right way to tell the people in your life that you’re expecting a baby. You’re allowed to go at the pace that feels best for you, whether that’s telling your inner circle immediately or waiting until you’re way past the halfway point.

We’ll walk you through what to consider before making a pregnancy announcement, when you might want to share (and with whom), and how to navigate complicated dynamics in real time. We’ll also help you figure out what to say, allowing you to reveal your news in the way that feels most authentic to you.

When to announce a pregnancy

You may have heard of the “12-week rule,” or the idea that you should disclose your pregnancy once you’ve reached the end of your first trimester. For some people, this works, but for others, it just doesn’t. Everyone’s different.

Some people share the moment they see two pink lines on their pregnancy test. Others wait until the first ultrasound, the end of the first trimester, or even the halfway mark.

There’s no right or wrong choice, but here are a few reasons why some people announce when they do:

Right away: Sharing early with a partner, best friend, or close support person can be grounding, especially if you’re dealing with anxiety, fatigue, or medical decisions. Or, you may just be really excited — and that’s great!
After the first doctor’s visit: Some people wait until they’ve confirmed the pregnancy with a provider or seen a heartbeat on an ultrasound, as it can provide a sense of security.
After the first trimester (around 12-13 weeks): This is often when the risk of miscarriage drops, and when symptoms like nausea or exhaustion start to shift. For many, it’s a natural point to begin telling more people.
At a meaningful personal moment: A birthday, holiday, or family gathering might feel like the right time for you, even if it’s later in the pregnancy.
By the halfway point: Many people wait until the halfway point (or even longer) to tell people, especially if they’ve dealt with past losses or fertility issues in the past. It’s also valid to keep the news within a small circle until the baby is born.

What to consider before announcing a pregnancy

Before you share your pregnancy news—whether it’s with your partner, your boss, or your group chat—it helps to check in with yourself first. It’s a tender moment, so make sure you feel comfortable before you announce anything to anyone.

Here are a few things to consider before making your announcement:

How are you feeling?

Excited? Anxious? Still adjusting to the idea? All of the above? It’s normal for pregnancy to stir up a mix of emotions, even if you were actively trying. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you tell someone, but if you’re still processing and feel like you need some more time, know that it’s okay to wait.

What kind of support do you want?

Do you want practical help, a quiet “congratulations,” or just someone to check in now and then? Think about the kind of response that would feel good to receive, and the people in your life who are best positioned to give you that.

What are your boundaries?

A simple “I’m pregnant” is more than enough. You don’t owe anyone your due date, the conception story, or a running list of symptoms, even if they ask. Of course, if you want to share more, that’s fine. Just make sure it’s on your terms.

How might it impact others?

If someone close to you is facing infertility, pregnancy loss, or grief, your news might hit differently. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share it, but you may want to approach the conversation with extra care.

Do you feel safe and supported at work?

You’re not required to disclose your pregnancy, and there are laws in place to protect you from discrimination. Still, it happens. If you suspect your manager won’t be supportive or you’re concerned about bias, it’s okay to wait. You can still start planning ahead without making a formal announcement.

How to announce your pregnancy: 21 ideas for every style

Whether you love a surprise reveal, prefer to keep things low-key, or need to prioritize emotional safety and privacy first, your pregnancy announcement should reflect you.

Here is a range of ideas and approaches, from quiet and intimate to creative and fun. You can choose the one that resonates with you — or use them as an inspiration to create something all your own.

If you want to keep it low-key

Sometimes, a quiet conversation can be the most impactful. These gentle approaches work well for close friends or loved ones, especially if you’re not ready to tell everyone just yet.

Say it simply and directly: “I wanted to share some news with you. I’m pregnant.” That can be enough for close friends and family.
Use a note or letter: If saying it out loud feels too vulnerable, a card or handwritten letter can be a meaningful way to share your news.
Try a private voice memo: This can feel more personal than a text, as it lets you convey tone, whether it’s excitement, anxiety, or hesitation.
Tell people one-on-one: This gives space for real connection, and it can help you manage a difficult reaction in a gentle way.

If you want to make it joyful or creative

This doesn’t have to mean a big social media reveal (though it absolutely can). These ideas offer playful, heartwarming ways to share the news:

Wrap a surprise gift: You could try a baby book, a onesie that says “Hi Grandpa!”, or a framed sonogram photo.
Use humor: You could grab an empty pizza box and put a message inside it that hints at the news. Think: “Eating for two. Delivery expected [due date].”
Bake something symbolic: You could try cupcakes with baby-themed toppers or a cake that says “We’re growing our crew.”
Plan a photo moment: Hold a sign, wear matching shirts, or include pets with a “Big brother” or “Big sister” tag. As a bonus, photos are perfect for family group texts.

If you want to share on social media

A public announcement isn’t for everyone, but if it feels empowering or joyful to share widely, here are a few ideas that keep things real and personal:

Use your own words: Skip the puns if they’re not your thing. A heartfelt caption like, “After a long road, we’re expecting” can be powerful.
Include your journey: If the road to baby wasn’t straight, feel free to share the ups and downs of IVF or loss. It can be incredibly validating to others. But of course, share only as much as you’d like (or not).
Opt for soft reveals: A photo of your ultrasound on the fridge, a baby item next to your morning coffee, or a journal entry reflecting on early pregnancy can give the news away without being too in-your-face.
Consider those you want to hide the news from: Check your privacy settings before posting. You can always make an announcement visible to certain people only.

If you want to tell people who live far away

Sharing big news across distance can feel tricky because you want them to feel included and connected, even if they can’t be there in person. These ideas help bridge the miles with warmth and thoughtfulness, so the moment still feels close, no matter how far apart you are.

Plan a virtual reveal: A video call with a prop (a baby bottle, a tiny outfit, or a “Future Auntie” mug) can make it fun.
Send a “thinking of you” package: Include a card or small gift that shares the news, like a book about babysitting as a grandma.
Record a short video message: This can be especially cute for far-away family or friends who’ll appreciate hearing your voice and seeing your pregnancy glow.

If you’re announcing to kids

Telling children (whether they’re your own or part of your extended family) calls for a mix of honesty, reassurance, and maybe a little magic. These ideas make space for their curiosity and emotions, while keeping the message clear and heartfelt.

Use age-appropriate language: Keep it simple and reassuring: “There’s a baby growing in my belly, and in a few months, you’ll get to meet them and be their big sibling!”
Involve them in a reveal: Give them a “big brother/big sister/aunt/cousin” T-shirt or a special treat with a similar message.
Make space for mixed feelings: You never know how kids will react. They may feel excited, confused, or even upset. Let them express whatever feelings come up and be there for them through difficult emotions.

💙 The Trust Your Intuition meditation from Jeff Warren’s Ease Parenting Stress series can help you refine how you communicate with your kids.

If you’re navigating grief, trauma, or past loss

Sharing pregnancy news after loss or during a tender chapter can bring up complex emotions for both you and the person hearing the news. These approaches honor the weight of your experience—making room for vulnerability, boundaries, and the care you need—while still allowing you to share in a way that feels right.

Give yourself full permission to share differently this time: Instead of immediately jumping into excitement, you might use language like, “I’m pregnant. I’m still feeling cautious, but I wanted to tell you.”
Use terms that feel right to you: Some people might choose to use more guarded language, given their path to pregnancy. You might say something like, “We’re cautiously optimistic” or “We’re hopeful but anxious.”
Protect your emotional energy: If talking about it in person is hard, but you still want to get the message across, you might choose to text or email instead. That’s perfectly fine, especially if you’re worried about how your emotions might come out.

Things to keep in mind

Pregnancy announcements can be tough to navigate. These reminders can help you protect your peace, set boundaries, and approach the moment in a way that feels good to you.

You can change your mind: If you share with someone and then realize you’re not ready to keep sharing, pause. You get to control the pace.
You don’t have to make it a whole thing: You can quietly mention it during a conversation if that feels better than a big reveal.
It’s okay to be messy: You may not have the right words, or you might cry. Don’t stress. This is a big moment, but there’s no such thing as perfection.
Give yourself a buffer: If you’re anxious about how someone will respond, don’t put pressure on yourself to tell them before you’re ready. When you do decide to spill the news, make sure to give yourself time to process.

💙 Calm your overwhelm through the trimesters with this pregnancy-specific Reframing Anxious Thoughts meditation with Kate Johnson.

How to handle delicate situations when revealing your pregnancy

Pregnancy announcements are difficult for some people to hear due to their own personal circumstances. While you’re not responsible for other people’s reactions, it’s natural to want to approach these conversations with care.

Here are some thoughtful ways to navigate complex dynamics with empathy and intention.

When telling a friend who’s struggling with infertility or loss

This is a very emotionally charged situation, and unfortunately, there’s no perfect way to do it. The most important thing is that you honor both their reality and your news. You may consider telling them privately—maybe through a text or message—to give them space to process without needing to react immediately.

Here’s an example of what you could say (but of course, tweak it to fit your style):

“I want to share some news that I know might bring up a mix of feelings. I’m pregnant. I care about you so much and wanted you to hear it from me directly. Please know there’s no pressure to respond. I understand this might be hard to take in, and I’m holding you with so much love.”

After you send it, don’t expect an immediate response. If your friend needs space or doesn’t write back with enthusiasm, it’s not rejection. It’s just a reflection of how they might be feeling. Trust that both joy and grief can exist at the same time.

When navigating complex family dynamics

Each family has its own dynamic. Maybe your relationship with a parent or sibling is strained, or you’re co-parenting with someone you’re no longer close to. No matter the case, know that you don’t have to make a big announcement if you don't want to.

If you do choose to share, you can do so with boundaries in place. Try something like, “I wanted to let you know I’m pregnant. I’m keeping things low-key and not sharing beyond a small circle right now.” If they ask follow-up questions or offer unsolicited advice, it’s fine to say, “I’m not ready to answer or hear anything further right now, but I appreciate you listening.”

When telling your employer or colleagues

This situation can feel especially fraught, especially if your workplace culture isn’t openly supportive of new parents. In most places, you aren’t legally required to disclose your pregnancy until you need accommodations or are preparing for leave. That said, you may choose to tell your manager earlier if you want support or need flexibility.

When you do share, focus on what matters. Consider something like, “I’m expecting and wanted to loop you in. I plan to continue my usual responsibilities for now, and I’ll keep you posted on how things evolve.”

You don’t have to justify your timeline, share personal details, or explain your childcare plans in advance. Focus on clarity and professionalism first and foremost.

When your own emotions feel complicated

Sometimes, the person struggling the most with the news is you. Maybe you’re anxious after a previous loss. Maybe the pregnancy was unexpected. Or maybe you’re just not sure how to feel, even if you’ve been trying for a while.

If you’re struggling to talk about it, it’s okay to say that out loud. You can preface your announcement with, “I’m still processing this myself, but I wanted you to know.” You don’t need to fake joy to make other people comfortable.

💙 Make sense of what you’re feeling with Tamara Levitt’s Emotions Series.

Pregnancy announcement FAQs

When is it safe to announce a pregnancy?

There’s no guaranteed safe moment in pregnancy, and that’s part of what makes this question so emotionally loaded. Statistically, the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly after the first trimester (around 12 to 13 weeks), which is why many couples wait until then to tell their wider circle.

Still, the decision of when to announce a pregnancy varies from person to person. Some choose to share early on because they want support, especially if they’ve experienced loss or are navigating a high-risk pregnancy.

Others wait longer because they might be processing mixed feelings or protecting their peace. If you feel ready, say something, but you’re not obligated to stick to an arbitrary timeline.

What should I say when I’m announcing my pregnancy?

What you say when you’re announcing your pregnancy depends on how you feel. You can keep it short and sweet, like “I wanted to share some personal news: I’m pregnant.”

If you want to share more, you might add how far along you are or how you’re feeling. If your story includes IVF, loss, or uncertainty, you may decide to include that too. It’s up to you.

How do I announce my pregnancy to my family in a fun way?

To announce your pregnancy to your family in a fun way, you may want to present them with a small baby-related gift, ask to take a photo and then say, “Everybody say, ‘[Your name’s] pregnant!’” or put your older child in a “Big brother” or “Big sister” T-shirt.

If your family enjoys games, a customized crossword or trivia clue can also help make the moment interactive. But remember, “fun” doesn’t mean performative. If you’re tired or overwhelmed, a simple, heartfelt reveal with a touch of humor (“We’re adding a new branch to the family tree!”) can be just as joyful.

How do I tell my friend who’s struggling with infertility that I’m pregnant?

Telling a friend who’s struggling with infertility that you’re pregnant is a very tender situation, and the fact that you’re aware it might be complicated already keeps you a step ahead.

It’s often best to tell this person privately, in a way that gives them time and space to feel whatever they need to feel. A text or email can actually feel more compassionate than an in-person reveal, because it doesn’t require an immediate reaction.

Keep your message gentle and honest. Try something like, “I wanted to share some personal news with care, knowing it may bring up complicated feelings. I’m pregnant. I love you and understand if you need space or time.”

You can’t control how they’ll respond, but you can make sure you lead with empathy and grace.

Who should I wait to tell I’m pregnant until later?

You might choose to wait to tell people who bring up complicated emotions or tend to overshare your news. You might also choose to wait with people who’ll ask a lot of follow-up questions you’re not ready to answer yet.

This could include coworkers, acquaintances, social media contacts, or even certain family members. It’s okay to protect your energy by holding boundaries around your news (especially early on). You can always share later if you feel like it. After all, it’s your news, and you get to protect it for as long as you need to.

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Calm Editorial Team