When’s the Best Time to Announce Your Pregnancy?

Pregnancy announcements and gender reveals seem to pop up on our social feeds quite regularly. So when, if at all, should you announce yours? (And just as importantly, who is going to help you coordinate the reveal and snap some flashy photographs?)

When to reveal your pregnancy to others

According to Yanill Hernandez, M.D., an OB/GYN at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, informing others of your pregnancy is a personal decision.

“There is no ‘wrong time’ for the big reveal. However, in my personal experience most people wait up to 12 weeks, or the start of the second trimester, to announce a pregnancy,” says Dr. Hernandez.

The 12-week mark

Up to 12 weeks, Dr. Hernandez explains that there is less risk of having a miscarriage.

Studies have shown that an estimated 10-25% of all clinically-recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage—with 80% of those happening within the first trimester due to factors including:

• Chromosomal abnormalities, or random genetic problems in the developing baby
• Medical conditions including thyroid disease, uncontrolled diabetes, infections or problems with the uterus or cervix
• Lifestyle habits including smoking, heavy drinking and malnutrition
• Age (women over the age of 35 are at a higher risk)
• Weight

“Complications can still happen after the first trimester of course, but there are less frequent occurrences,” she says.

‘Early bird’ pregnancy announcements

Dr. Hernandez explains that some women decide to announce a pregnancy earlier than 12 weeks for a variety of reasons, including:

• Excitement!
• Showing classic ‘signs’ such as morning sickness or exhaustion
• A need to avoid any exposures or dangers at work (such as chemicals)
• Complications in the pregnancy and wanting to inform loved ones of the risks

“Because there is a risk of miscarriage within these first few weeks, though, if you announce your pregnancy and tell people earlier, you might be faced with having to discuss that,” says Dr. Hernandez.

Why wait?

According to Dr. Hernandez, women may want to hold off on announcing the big news for a range of reasons, including:

• Wanting to know the baby’s health via ultrasound
• Finally starting to ‘show’ that baby bump
• Wanting to avoid unsolicited advice

“A pregnancy can be both exciting and frightening,” comforts Dr. Hernandez. “Therefore, some people may want to wait longer. Whatever feels more natural and comfortable in terms of telling others, you should do.”

Dr. Hernandez is located in Clark and is a physician at Hackensack Meridian Health Medical Group, a network of more than 1,000 physicians and advanced providers at over 300 practices throughout New Jersey. Our care network can help you better manage your health. Visit HMHMedicalGroup.org to find a practice near you.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.