When To Announce Your Pregnancy - Timing & Tips

Finding out you're expecting is one of the most exciting moments in life—and deciding when to tell people you’re pregnant can feel just as momentous. While public figures may announce their pregnancies early due to media speculation, most of us enjoy the freedom of deciding when and how to share the news on our own terms.

Most parents-to-be choose to tell their closest loved ones first. For many, that means breaking the news to immediate family—especially parents—before anyone else.

In fact, in many families, telling your mum is all it takes for the news to start spreading. Family “jungle drums” can often beat faster than any official announcement!

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some parents are so excited they can’t help but share the news as early as six weeks. Others prefer to wait until they’ve passed the first trimester (typically around 12 weeks), when the risk of miscarriage significantly decreases.

Here are a few factors that might influence your decision:

• Excitement: You’re overjoyed and want to tell the world straight away.

• Morning sickness: If you're suffering badly, it might make sense to let others know early.

• Previous experiences: If you've had miscarriages before, you may prefer to wait a little longer.

• First scan results: Many couples wait until after their first ultrasound.

There’s no “right time”—only what feels right for you.

Telling your employer and colleagues can feel a bit more delicate. You may worry about how your pregnancy will affect your role or how your news will be received.

Again, timing depends on personal preference and your work environment. Legally, you’re not required to inform your employer until at least 15 weeks before your due date. However, telling them earlier can help with planning, health and safety assessments, and flexibility if you’re dealing with symptoms like fatigue or nausea.

Once your family and close friends are in the loop, many couples opt to share their pregnancy online. Social media is a fast and fun way to tell a wider circle—and it also gives you the chance to do something creative.

Some ideas for pregnancy announcement posts include:

• A photo of tiny baby shoes or a sonogram

• A letter board with your due date

• A playful caption like “Our family is growing by two feet!”

Whatever you choose, just be sure you’ve informed those closest to you personally before going public online.

When your little one finally arrives, you'll want to share the happy news with everyone. Grandparents are usually the first to spread the word, whether by phone or social media. But in a digital age, there's still something special about sending a physical birth announcement card.

• It makes the moment tangible – something that can be displayed and treasured.
• It includes key details – name, date of birth, weight, and even a photo.
• It’s a lasting keepsake – one that friends and family can keep or add to a baby book.

Displaying birth announcement cards on a mantelpiece or fridge is still a lovely tradition, and it ensures your baby’s name and birthday are remembered for years to come.

Your family and friends will likely be incredibly generous, showering your baby with gifts, messages, and love. A thoughtful way to show your appreciation is by sending a thank you card.

While a quick message on social media is convenient, taking the time to write a personalised thank you note will always be appreciated. It shows that you’ve made a real effort to acknowledge someone’s kindness.

At Dotty About Paper, we offer a beautiful range of birth announcement cards and baby thank you cards to help you celebrate life’s most special moments with style and sincerity.

Every pregnancy journey is unique, and so is the way you choose to share it. Whether you tell everyone right away or keep the news private for a while, what matters most is doing what feels right for you.

So, if you’ve just found out you’re expecting—congratulations! Enjoy every moment of this exciting time.