Finding out you're expecting is a momentous milestone, one that we can't fault you for wanting to announce in a big way. And nowadays, there's no shortage of unique pregnancy announcement ideas to create one-of-a-kind memories you'll look back on for years to come.
When it comes to telling your partner, you might want to opt for something more heartfelt and personal, as you two are about to go on a journey of a lifetime. When it comes to sharing the announcement on social media for all of your extended relatives and friends, you may want to plan something a bit more elaborate.
Of course, you should never feel pressured to reveal you're having a baby with anyone, but if you're more than eager to tell your mom and dad that they're getting promoted to Grandmom and Grandpop, look no further than our favorite ways to show off your growing bun in the oven. But if you're first a little concerned on announcing at the right time or in the right way (since the way you tell your in-laws might differ from the way you share with a handful of close coworkers), we've got a few tips on the best way to tackle the topic below.
When to Announce Your Pregnancy
When it comes to sharing the news you're expecting, everyone's timeline can look different. Although it's expected you'd share with your partner early on, outside of your immediate family, it's completely up to you. Many feel more comfortable waiting until the end of the first trimester when they feel safer, but some may share the news earlier, perhaps after the first ultrasound, which typically occurs around six to eight weeks, but can be earlier.
That said, there's no hard and fast rule that you even need to share that early. What's ultimately important is that you don't feel rushed or pressured by other family members and friends to share until you're ready. As great as it is that your loved ones would be so excited they'd want to know as soon as possible, this moment is ultimately about you and your partner.
How to Announce Your Pregnancy
These days, there are many ways to do a pregnancy announcement, especially considering the endless creative ideas that seem to be all over social media. You can always go the classic route and post a bump picture with a sonogram, or share a snapshot of a positive pregnancy test and onesies. But you can also customize it a bit if you wanted to make it even more special. Incorporate siblings, signs and even puns related to the industries you and your spouse work in. Nevertheless, whether you want to go big or small, in-person or virtual, there are a ton of fun ways to announce the impending arrival of your newest family member on the list below!
Onesie Announcement
It's a classic for a reason. You can't go wrong with a onesie announcing your little one's impending arrival. Check out a few of our favorites below.
Game Night
Host a game night with friends, and use charades or Pictionary as a way for you and your partner to share with the group that you're expecting.
Photo Shoot
Pay for professional photos or have a friend who is handy with a camera take some stunning "Mom-to-Be" shots that can double as an announcement when shared on social media.
Scavenger Hunt
Use an intimate scavenger hunt that takes your spouse to meaningful locations for you as a couple, like where you had your first date or where you got engaged, to a final location where the prize is you and the big news!
"Eating for Two" Meal
Cook your spouse's favorite meal, and use the opportunity to wear a shirt that says "Eating for two".
"Under Construction" Room
Already know which room will be the baby's? Get some caution tape and signs warning visitors to be on the lookout for the construction happening in light of a newcomer to the house coming in a few months.
Matching Baseball Hats
You can often find matching sets of Grandpa and Grandpa hats sold together for a reasonable price. This way, they get an announcement and a keepsake all in one — while reminding everyone else just who they are in this little child's life! They'll be wearing it 24/7 to show it off before you know it.
Countdown Calendar
Order a personalized calendar or DIY your own to include milestones in the pregnancy, information about the growing baby and a countdown to the due date as a way to keep people in the loop. Some of the ones on Amazon are set up like a picture frame, so you can include a picture of the sonogram, and have detachable numbers so you can adjust as the due date gets closer.
Pet Bandana
When in doubt, get your furry friends in on the action. After all, they're going to have to share Mom and Dad with even more people now.
Pregnancy Test on the Counter
Simple, straightforward and still very sweet. Need we say more?
Wrapped Pregnancy Test
If you want an added touch, you can always wrap up your (cleaned!) test for your partner or a parent to unwrap. You could even buy an extra large box to put it in if you were hoping for a few extra laughs.
Baby Shoes
There's truly nothing we love more than all the baby-sized clothes and accessories that are simply too cute! Leave a pair out before people come over to see if they notice, or place in a photo with a pregnancy test and/or onesie for a shot to share the news.
Bun in the Oven
Leave a bun in the oven, and when cooking, ask whoever you're with to "grab something from the oven." Easy but unexpected.
Sibling Shirts
If this isn't your first kid, get the younger ones in on the announcement action. There are so many fun shirt options, no matter how many kids you have.
Holiday Ornament
If you announce your news around the holidays, an ornament is seasonal and makes a lovely memento that anyone would want to add to their tree. They'll be asking you about a "Baby's First Christmas" ornament for the following year before you know it.
Bump and Ultrasound Picture
Show off that bump proudly, either by itself, or alongside a sonogram photo.
"Ice, Ice Baby"
You're sure to get a few laughs with this punny announcement. Have your significant other hold up two bags of ice next to you, and see how fast it takes people to put the pieces together.
Custom Coffee Mug
A strong cup of coffee is usually enough to wake anyone up in the morning, but a mug signaling the big news? They'll be wide away before that first sip, no caffeine needed.
Table for Three
Your partner will certainly be asking questions when you go to sit down for a meal and there's an extra chair added around the table — hey, it's never too early to make room for the newest addition.
Baby Essentials Delivery
You really want to surprise your spouse? Have a bunch of "baby essentials" delivered to the house and let him put the pieces together.
Career Puns and Jokes
Utilize puns from the industries you and your partner work in to come up with an announcement super personal to you.
Some examples:
- Bump ahead.
- Sorry to bump the meeting.
- Loading...
- Cancel all my meetings starting [ENTER DUE DATE]
- Meet your new desk mate.
Puzzle
Retailers like Amazon allow you to customize your own puzzle, so use the opportunity to surprise the family in a unique way.
Baby Books
Take a photo with your partner reading your favorite baby books from when you were young and see if people connect the dots.
Cake
There's no reason you can't combine your pregnancy announcement and reveal what you're having. Have a special pink- or blue-colored sweet treat created just for you to announce both exciting pieces of news.
Dessert Topper
And of course, if you're trying to find a more budget-friendly option along those lines, you can always purchase cake or cupcake dessert toppers celebrating the news, usually in bulk and for an affordable price.
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
