We have news to share!

Deciding when and how to share your pregnancy news with family and friends is a personal choice that varies from couple to couple. You may be eager to celebrate openly with loved ones as soon as possible, or you may prefer to keep things more private for a while. 

There’s no “right” time

You may want to share the news during the first trimester (first 12 weeks) so that you can celebrate and lean on support from family and friends, especially if you experience any complications or challenges early on.

Or you may want to wait until the end of the first trimester before sharing the news. The risk of miscarriage is highest during the first trimester, and you may prefer to keep the news private until you're past this stage.

You can even wait until the baby arrives to let anyone know. If you’re a very private couple or don’t find the idea of sharing this information or celebrating with anyone appealing, you may decide to opt for this option.

Telling close friends & family

Before making a wider announcement, talk about whether you want to share your pregnancy news with your closest loved ones first. This’ll allow you to celebrate your joy with those nearest and dearest to you, and also gives you a support system early on in your pregnancy journey. 

Keep in mind that the more people who know about your pregnancy, the higher the likelihood of your news spreading before you're ready. If you're planning to wait until a certain point to make a broader announcement, be sure to communicate your wishes clearly to those you tell early on. 

Letting work know

When it comes to sharing your pregnancy news with work, you can let them know whenever you feel comfortable. If you plan to use Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, you must give 30-days’ advance notice.

The FMLA is a federal law in the US that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain reasons.

Check your employer’s policies to understand what they offer in addition to this.

If you have a physically demanding job or one that involves exposure to hazardous materials, you’ll probably want to inform your employer earlier to ensure a safe work environment for you and your baby.

You may want to tell your immediate supervisor or the HR / people department first, before sharing more widely at work. You’ll also want to be prepared to have a discussion about your roles, responsibilities, and plans for parental leave/coverage while you're out.

Discussing how you'll tell people

Once you've decided when to share your pregnancy news, think about how you want to announce it. Many couples choose social media for a quick and easy announcement, while others prefer traditional methods like in-person chats, phone calls, or mailed cards. 

If you opt for social media, discuss whether you want to make your announcement personal. You could share an ultrasound photo, a creative reveal, or a heartfelt message about your joy.

Whatever you decide, remember this is a special moment for you, so choose a method that feels true to who you are as a couple.

Preparing for reactions & questions

As you get ready to share your exciting news, remember that everyone may react differently. Some loved ones will be thrilled, offering hugs and congratulations, while others might respond more quietly due to their own feelings or experiences. Try not to take any muted reactions personally

To prepare for these varied responses, discuss how you’ll handle different situations as a couple. Consider having a few thoughtful replies ready for common questions about your due date, baby’s gender, or how you're feeling. Remember, you’re not required to share anything you’re uncomfortable with, so set boundaries as needed.

Having a united front and a plan can boost your confidence as you enter this new chapter. Most importantly, take time to listen to each other’s thoughts and decide together what feels right for you both.

Additional resources:

• How to tell your boss you’re pregnant (Happiest Baby)
• When Is the Best Time to Announce Your Pregnancy? (Healthline)

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