Pregnancy announcement ideas: how, when and who to tell first

There’s no right way to share your news. A big reveal, a quiet word or a text can all be lovely. Here’s how to think about who to tell and when, and some ideas for sharing it.

It’s your decision

Tommy’s says when you tell people about your pregnancy is your decision. Some people wait until after the 12-week scan, because the chance of miscarriage drops after that point. Others tell people sooner, because the first 12 weeks can be a time when you need support. Tommy’s adds that if you’ve had a baby loss, you may want to tell people straight away so they can support you. See when to tell people you’re pregnant.

Who to tell first

There’s no set order. Telling your partner or the baby’s other parent can help you get support early on. If the pregnancy was a surprise, Tommy’s suggests that writing down beforehand how you’d like to tell your partner can help. Telling one trusted person now can also help you cope with tiredness or sickness. If you’re worried about how a partner will react, especially if abuse is a concern, ask for support. Tommy’s says to call 999 if you’re in immediate danger, or 101 for non-emergencies.

Telling work

GOV.UK says you should tell your employer about your pregnancy, and that to get maternity leave you need to tell your employer at least 15 weeks before the week your baby is due, or as soon as you can if that isn’t possible. Tommy’s says if you need health and safety protection you must notify your employer in writing. See telling your employer you’re pregnant.

Ideas for sharing

A formal announcement is optional, as Tommy’s notes. If you’d like to make a moment of it, some options that work well:

A scan photo in a card or message, once you’re ready to share it.
A small gift or note for grandparents or close family, such as a card saying ‘you’re going to be a grandparent’.
A video call or a simple text for people who live far away.
A family meal where you tell everyone at once.
A baby-themed treat or gesture for older siblings, who often take the news best in their own way.
A social media post, whenever you feel ready. Think about who can see it, including colleagues, before you post.

For a real-life story, read Billie’s pregnancy announcement.

If the news is hard to share

If you’re worried because of a past loss, Tommy’s runs a pregnancy and parenting after loss support group on Facebook, which can be a space to share news and find peer support. See trying again after a miscarriage.

Questions people ask

When is the best time to announce?

There isn’t one. Tommy’s says it’s your decision. Many people wait until after the 12-week scan, and others tell people earlier for support.

Should I tell my partner before anyone else?

That’s common, and Tommy’s says telling your partner can help you get support early. But it’s your choice.

Do I have to announce it publicly?

No. Tommy’s says a formal announcement is optional.

What if I’ve had a loss before?

You might want to tell people sooner so they can support you, or wait. Both are fine. Tommy’s has a support group for pregnancy after loss.