The Joy of Pregnancy: When to Share the News
You’ve just discovered you’re pregnant, and you’re over the moon! But when is the right time to share the news with the world? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some important considerations to keep in mind.
The Risk of Miscarriage
Miscarriage is a heartbreaking reality for many women, occurring in 10 to 15 percent of pregnancies. The risk is highest in the first 12 weeks, with about 80 percent of miscarriages happening during this time. While the statistics can be daunting, remember that most women don’t know they’re pregnant for several weeks, and the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly after week 6.
Chromosomal Abnormalities and Other Factors
About half of first-trimester miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities, which means the fetus wasn’t developing properly from conception. Other factors, such as infections, uterine adhesions, period problems, and hormone imbalances, can also contribute to miscarriage. Age also plays a role, with the risk of miscarriage increasing with age.
Waiting for the Right Moment
Many people wait until the 12-week mark to share their news, as the risk of miscarriage decreases significantly after this point. Others may choose to wait until they’ve had a prenatal checkup and received confirmation of their pregnancy and estimated due date. If you’ve experienced a miscarriage in the past, you may want to wait longer to share your news, especially if you’re nervous about recurrent pregnancy loss.
Benefits of Waiting
Waiting to share your news can have several benefits. Your risk of a post-announcement miscarriage is much lower after the 12-week mark, and you’ll likely feel more comfortable about your pregnancy after hearing the heartbeat and/or getting an ultrasound. You’ll also get to savor the news privately and think about this big life change before everyone else’s opinions start flying.
Who to Tell First
When you do decide to share your news, consider telling your closest friends and family members first. Make sure they know to keep the secret, and then plan to spread the word to your next circle of friends and acquaintances. If you’re postponing announcements until the second or third trimester, you might want to privately tell a few family members sooner.
Workplace Announcements
If you need to tell your boss about your pregnancy, do so as soon as possible, especially if it affects your ability to do your job. Remember that the Pregnancy Discrimination Act protects your right to reasonable requests for workplace accommodations and safety while pregnant.
Social Media Announcements
When you’re ready to share your news on social media, be prepared for a flood of comments and likes! Make sure to tell the important people in your life first, and then have fun with your virtual announcement.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the decision of when to share your pregnancy news is up to you. Consider your current risk for miscarriage, who you need to tell, and who will be in your support network if something happens. Take care of yourself right away, schedule a prenatal appointment, take prenatal vitamins, and eat well. Congratulations on your pregnancy!
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