Announcing Your Pregnancy

When you find out you’re pregnant, it can be difficult to think about anything else – which is why so many pregnant women become anxious to share their exciting news with the world. However, there’s no shortage of controversy over exactly when is the best time to make a pregnancy announcement.

And while choosing when and how you will announce your pregnancy are ultimately very personal decisions, it’s helpful to know about the possible advantages and disadvantages of the timing of your announcement, as well as fun and creative ways to reveal your secret once the timing’s right.

Sharing the News Early

Advantages

• Lots of support right from the start, which can make the stages of pregnancy less overwhelming
  
• Able to share with others in your joy
  
• Added help in making decisions
  
• Have plenty time to get of advice on choosing the best medical professionals, hospitals and other care facilities
  
• In case of miscarriage, you will have lots of support

Disadvantages

• Advice can be overwhelming
  
• If you miscarry it means you’ll have to do a lot of explaining
  
• The news may get to friends and family before you do!

Waiting to Tell People You’re Pregnant

Advantages

• Have time to make your own decisions without influence of others
  
• If you miscarry, you won’t have to take back the announcement
  
• You won’t have to contend with too much advice
  

  Disadvantages

• If you miscarry, others won’t understand your grief
  
• No help/support/advice from others
  
• May offend certain members of your family/friends
  
• Possible risk of isolation

Most people choose to wait until the after the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy have been significantly reduced. Others wait until signs of pregnancy, such as a pregnant belly, begin to show. Whatever your choice, don’t let others pressure you. This is your special news, and it should be shared when you feel comfortable doing so.