Nothing is more exhilarating than finding out you were successful when trying to get pregnant! One of the most fun things you can do during the first and second trimesters is plan your special announcement for your little one. Many people in your life will be almost as excited as you are that you are having a baby. You may not know where to start when it comes to announcing your pregnancy, but I have some great ideas to share with you. Figuring it all out can be overwhelming, and that is where I come in.

Below, you’ll find a huge list of pregnancy announcement ideas organized by timing, audience, hobbies, and holidays to help you share your news in a memorable way.

Before you dive into the ideas, here are a few helpful things to consider about timing, audience, and etiquette.

When Should You Announce You’re Pregnant?

Timing is personal, but understanding the reasons behind common milestones can help you choose what feels right. There is no right or wrong time to announce you’re pregnant, but there are things you may want to consider when deciding the right time for you:

Right Away

You want to tell certain people immediately when you find out. The first one is your partner. He is the one it most directly affects, and he should be the first to know. You can make it an elaborate announcement or just show him the test.

There are other people in your life who you may want to tell right away. This could include grandparents, siblings, your other kids, or super close friends. It all depends on your specific relationships and your support system. Having that support system could be helpful if something happens in those early weeks.

When Morning Sickness Hits

If you have people close to you who may notice if you’re sick, you may want to share the news with them. You don’t have to tell your boss or coworkers until you’re comfortable, but remember that they may notice if you’re frequently absent or experiencing vomiting. Severe morning sickness can strike at any time and be extremely difficult to hide.

Related: How to Keep Your Pregnancy a Secret in the First Trimester

After Twelve Weeks

A common milestone in pregnancy is the 12-week mark, as this is the point at which the miscarriage rate typically drops. Announcing after this point is common, especially if you’re looking to make a public announcement or share it on social media. Many women are more comfortable after the miscarriage rate drops. You may want to share the news before 12 weeks to have support in case something happens, but you may not want to tell everyone before this point.

After Your Anatomy Scan

If you want to find out the gender of your baby, you may decide to wait longer before announcing it publicly. You could wait until after the anatomy scan, or about 20 weeks, and incorporate a gender reveal into your announcement.

Even Later

It’s really up to you, and when you’re comfortable announcing. If you don’t want to announce your pregnancy publicly, you don’t have to. It is up to you. It’s your pregnancy, and your comfort level matters the most.

If you’re still deciding when to share the news, here’s a helpful guide on when to announce pregnancy and what to consider.

Who Should You Tell (And In What Order)?

Some people deserve to hear the news directly before it becomes public. Here’s how to navigate that list.

Your Partner

The first person you should tell is your partner. If he wasn’t with you when you found out, telling him as soon as possible is ideal. You could still use something special to tell him you’re pregnant, but you probably won’t be able to keep it to yourself for long! Even when our second was a surprise, I needed to tell my husband immediately to help me process it.

Related: Fun Ways to Tell Your Partner You Are Pregnant

People You’re Closest To

After your partner, you should reach out to the people you’re closest to next. This list could include your parents, your partner’s parents, siblings, and any close friends with whom you want to share the news.

Other Family and Friends

Before going public, you may want to inform others who weren’t included in the initial round of friends and family. Reach out to these people next, so they won’t need to find out with everyone else if you decide to announce it through social media later.

Public

The last announcement is going public with your pregnancy. Most likely, this means announcing your pregnancy on social media. There are several approaches to this, which I will explore in more detail later in this article.

Dos and Don’ts About Pregnancy Announcements

A few simple etiquette guidelines can make your announcement feel thoughtful and considerate.

Do Tell Friends and Family First

The first step is to tell your spouse. Once he hears the great news, work together to share it with your closest loved ones. If possible, do this in person, as your parents don’t want to hear this over a text message. If a loved one lives far away, a phone call or FaceTime session works just fine. However you choose to tell your loved ones, just be sure they find out from you first—no one wants to find out news that big on a social media pregnancy announcement or from someone else.

Do Wait Until You’re Ready

Many people keep their pregnancy a secret until they feel they are in the clear. This is a smart choice, but it is entirely up to you when you decide to tell others (not including your spouse). If you want to wait longer than necessary, feel free to do so. If you just can’t wait to tell your mom or friends, letting them know right away is okay, too. Just be prepared for any disadvantages that may come with telling someone too soon or too late.

Do Tell Friends and Family Who Are Infertile

You should be sensitive to the fact that others may be struggling with infertility, but that doesn’t mean you should leave certain people out of your announcement. It may end up hurting them more if they find out from someone other than you. Be sensitive to their struggle, but don’t exclude them entirely.

Related: How Women Who Have Experienced Infertility Really Feel About Pregnancy Announcements

Don’t Tell Your Coworkers Before Your Boss

Getting pregnant means a lot of life changes, especially at work. You may have the urge to tell your work BFF about your pregnancy immediately, but it’s important to ensure your boss is aware before you spill the beans to others. Failing to do so could cause unwanted problems, something you don’t want to deal with during this special time.

Don’t Announce It at an Event Special to Someone Else

You wouldn’t be happy with someone announcing their engagement at your baby shower—so don’t plan your pregnancy announcement during someone else’s moment. If your family is getting together to celebrate your sister’s wedding or your brother’s graduation from college, it’s probably best not to share your news at the same time. Gather your family together at a different time, or at the very least, consult with your siblings and share the news after the meal is over.

Don’t Announce for the First Time on Social Media

It’s essential to communicate directly with the people you are close to. You don’t want them finding out with everyone else on social media. They could feel slighted and like they aren’t as important to you as they thought.

Making the Pregnancy Announcement to Specific People

From partners to grandparents, here are meaningful ways to personalize the big reveal.

Pregnancy Announcement Ideas for Announcing to Your Partner

Telling your partner is one of the most meaningful moments. These ideas make the reveal fun, sweet, or totally unforgettable.

1. Wrapping the Positive Test up as a Gift

If he wasn’t home when you decided to take a pregnancy test (which I totally get; it can be hard to wait when you’re going crazy after that two-week wait), you could place the capped pregnancy test into a box or otherwise wrap it for him to open. He might be super confused or suspicious if it isn’t a special occasion, but that doesn’t mean he will immediately know what it is!

2. Take a Photo and Send It

If you can’t wait for him to get home and are okay without seeing his immediate reaction, you could take a photo of the test and send it to him. Depending on where he is, this may not be the best option, as it would likely distract him at work for the remainder of the day. Just be sure to take care with your timing.

3. “Accidentally” Leaving Out Some Prenatal Vitamins

If you can run out and grab some prenatal vitamins, you could leave them out for him to see when he arrives home. He is sure to get it pretty quickly.

4. Buy a Special Onesie

Getting a special onesie is another cute way to let your partner know you’re pregnant. Depending on what you’re looking for, you may need to be prepared to keep the news to yourself until the onesie arrives. If you run out and buy one, you will get to share the secret much sooner, but risk not getting exactly what you want. It all depends on what you’re comfortable with.

5. Put a Bun in the Oven

This one is pretty on the nose, but he won’t catch on right away, so it’s pretty fun. Put a single bun in your oven and then ask him to check the oven for you. It may take him a second, but then he’ll get it.

6. Give Your Partner a Mom or Dad Shirt

This shirt is a fun way to reveal that you are expecting. Simply put it somewhere your partner will see it and watch his face. Check out these pregnancy announcement t-shirts for more options!

7. Daddy-To-Be Mug

If your partner is a big tea or coffee drinker, this mug is a great way to reveal he’s going to be a dad. Just fill it with his favorite hot beverage and hand it to him as if nothing happened. If you want to let him enjoy his tea or coffee first, this mug won’t reveal it until the cup is empty.

8. Play to His Other Hobbies or Interests

Depending on your partner’s specific hobbies and interests, you may have other ideas to make this revelation special for them. For instance, this onesie is the perfect way to tell him if he likes video games. If he has a sweet tooth, this cake topper is perfect, and if you enjoy wine, check out this revealing label.

Pregnancy Announcement Ideas for Announcing to the Grandparents

The only people who may be more excited than you about the new baby are the future grandparents. These announcements can be really fun and customized to suit each individual. Check out these different options.

1. With Special Shirts

Buying the grandparents these special matching shirts is a great way to tell them you’re having a baby. They will no doubt wear them proudly as they await the baby’s arrival.

2. Through Special Glasses

Whether they are into whiskey or coffee, there is a fun option to announce. Check out these matching coffee mugs or this whiskey glass tailored specifically to Grandpa.

3. With a Certain Beverage

If your parents or in-laws are into wine, this is the perfect way to tell them you’re expecting. You can add this wine label to any wine that will do the job for you.

4. With Fun Onesies

Even though this is a gift they won’t be keeping, onesies are still a great way to let them know that a baby is on the way. This option simply says hello, and this one might make them laugh as it tells them they can stop asking now!

Pregnancy Announcement Idea for Announcing to Other Family Members

If you want to include other family members in your pregnancy announcement, consider sending them custom-made sugar cookies. They are great for future uncles and aunts. You can also include grandparents here if you like.

Cute Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Sweet, sentimental, and photo-ready — these ideas are perfect for sharing your joy.

1. Do a Photoshoot

Photoshoots can be such a fun way to bond with your partner, and to be honest, who doesn’t love getting dressed up and taking gorgeous pictures? Plan a photoshoot with a professional photographer and bring props to announce your pregnancy. You can use a letter board and spell out your news, get big balloons to spell out “BABY” or your due date, or keep it simple with a hand over your stomach and a loving photo of you and your hubby that you will treasure forever.

2. Do It With Gifts

Everyone loves receiving gifts, and what’s better than a little gift that comes with something much bigger? Keep things super personal by gifting your loved ones small items that let them know your big news. You can give your parents mugs that say “Grandma and Grandpa,” your sister a shirt that says “Best Aunt Ever,” and your best friend a photo that says “Your new best friend is coming” with your due date. No matter what you decide to give, it will be something your family and friends will treasure, making the news so much more special than a simple phone call.

3. Do It With Food

There are many fun ways to clue people into the fact that you’re having a baby by using food. Check out these customizable chocolates to reveal your secret! If cookies are more your thing, these or these will clue everyone in.

4. Incorporate Pets or Other Siblings

If you have pets or kids, include them in the photo announcement! Some of the cutest pregnancy announcements involve another child announcing the pregnancy. Consider putting a pair of baby shoes next to your pup, putting a collar on them that says “big brother,” or even filming a video of your other child getting the news—their reaction is sure to be priceless. It will make a great announcement to post on social media and send to your loved ones.

5. Host a Get-Together

When you hear the news, you’ll want to share it with everyone you love as soon as possible. So, instead of telling them individually, why not tell everyone simultaneously? Invite your closest family and friends over to your house for brunch, or host a small gathering at your favorite restaurant. Once everyone arrives, let them know the big news! Then, spend the rest of the event celebrating, hugging, and basking in the fantastic news with everyone you love.

6. With a Letterboard

This felt letter board is a great way to announce your pregnancy and other big milestones that come up.

Funny Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

If humor is your love language, these playful ideas will get big laughs.

1. Do a Cheeky Photoshoot

Think of a movie poster or your hubby drinking while you eat everything you are craving.

2. Gift Your Best Friend or Your Sister a Bottle of Alcohol or a Box of Tampons

When they give you a weird look, tell them you won’t need either for nine months. You can also make it a surprise and announce your pregnancy at a time when no one expects it.

3. Send Someone a Bun in an Oven

You can also send someone an unedible “bun” in the oven with this product.

4. Silly Clothing for Mom and Dad

These boxers are a hilarious way to announce your pregnancy. If you want to give people a laugh, send a picture of these boxers, since you literally had a winner.

5. SH*T Just Got Real Card

This card is another funny way to let people know you’re expecting. If you and your intended recipient are okay with swearing, it will inspire a laugh for both of you.

6. Watermelon Through a Doughnut Hole

While this visual is somewhat gross, it’s also remarkably accurate. This gift features a necklace and a reference to what your partner will soon witness. This option is ideal for announcing your pregnancy to a partner who has a great sense of humor and will laugh more than be disturbed.

7. Digital Downloads for Social Media

This one is fun and references how you are tired of doing whatever you want and sleeping

Fun & Unique Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

These creative ideas are perfect for sharing your news in a memorable way.

Pregnancy Announcement Ideas for Announcing Twins

Expecting two? These adorable options help you reveal the double surprise with style.

1. Double Ultrasound Photo

When my sister was expecting twins, she wrapped up the ultrasounds of each baby individually and gave them to my parents. They got it when they both opened their envelopes. Doing it this way was a fun surprise!

2. Eating for Three Spoon

While some people may not catch this, this spoon is another cute way to announce that you’re expecting twins.

3. Refer to Literature

These onesies are great for anyone who loves literature or appreciates a “plot twist.” They are sure to make people laugh when announced with a photo of them.

Pregnancy Announcement Ideas for Nerds

For families who love games, books, and science, these clever ideas make the perfect reveal.

1. Harry Potter

If you and your partner are into Harry Potter, this golden snitch is a fun way to announce. You just sent it to whoever you want to share it with.

2. The Lord of the Rings

If The Lord of the Rings is more your style, a onesie, hat, and blanket combination will let everyone know that your halfling is coming soon.

3. Star Wars

Many fun baby items are related to Star Wars, including this cute “storm pooper” onesie or future Jedi social media announcement.

4. For Gamers

If video games are a favorite in your household, check out this Player Three onesie or one that refers to being the expansion pack.

5. For Math Nerds

This onesie, which references an acute angle, will surely make math nerds smile, along with this cutie pie one. For those babies who are just generally nerdy, announce that you’re expecting with a onesie that references a future nerd.

Holiday-Themed Pregnancy Announcements

Seasonal themes can make your reveal feel even more magical.

Christmas Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Holiday-themed props and designs make Christmas announcements extra magical.

1. Onesies

There are plenty of onesies that reference Christmas that you can use for your pregnancy announcement. This one references the most wonderful time of the year, while another one might mention the fact that you’ll have no more silent nights.

2. Digital Announcements

Digital pregnancy announcements are cool because you don’t need to stage them yourself. This one includes a letter board, so you don’t even need to purchase one separately. Here is another option with a bunch of fun Christmas cookies.

3. Ornaments and Other Gifts

This cute penguin ornament is customizable with your names and your baby’s due date. If you want to send something a bit different, these baby booties are another great way to let others know you’re expecting.

Halloween Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Spooky-cute ideas that are perfect for fall reveals.

1. Little Pumpkin

If you are announcing during pumpkin season, consider getting two large pumpkins and one smaller pumpkin. Cut a hole in the front and place the little pumpkin inside for a fun pregnancy announcement.

2. Shirts for Mom

This one is a cute find about how you shouldn’t eat pumpkin seeds, and it features a baby skeleton on the belly. Check out these complimentary couples’ shirts if you want to get Dad involved.

3. Social Media Announcements

There are plenty of Halloween-related social media pregnancy announcements from which to choose. This one is a nod to Hocus Pocus, referencing a new little boo, and this one assures you that this announcement is no trick, just a treat.

New Year’s Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Ring in the new year with adorable baby-themed countdown ideas.

1. Social Media Announcement

For this holiday, I have references to a sweet year coming, popping different kinds of bottles, and a new year/new baby.

2. Clothing

You have this fun resolution shirt for the child becoming a big brother.

Valentine’s Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Celebrate your growing love with sweet, romantic announcements.

1. Social Media Announcement

A digital download picture is a great way to announce your Valentine’s Day-related pregnancy and refers to your baby as your Valentine. Here is an option about “adding more love.”

2. Clothing

This shirt is cute for the mom-to-be and reads “Growing my Valentine.”

St. Patrick’s Day Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Lucky-charm themed ways to share your exciting news.

1. Through Clothing

These complimentary shirts are a fun way to announce close to St. Patrick’s Day. Being primarily a drinking holiday, these references suggest that the dad-to-be will be drinking for two, while the mom-to-be gets no more shenanigans. These “mom-to-be” and “dad-to-be” shirts about getting lucky and pregnant are another silly way to commemorate the holiday.

2. Digital Download Announcement

For social media pregnancy announcements, these fun St. Patrick’s Day-related ones reference your baby as your lucky charm or your shamrock.

Easter Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Bunny-themed and spring-inspired ideas perfect for April reveal.

1. Shirts for Mom-to-be and Big Sister

These mama bunny and baby bunny maternity shirts, eggspecting shirts, and stuffed with a baby shirt are so cute for announcing your pregnancy around Easter time.

2. Digital Downloads

These social media announcement downloads reference the arrival of somebunny or that you’re eggspecting.

Fourth of July Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Patriotic announcement options that pop with personality.

1. Shirts for the Girls of the Family

For mom, there is a shirt that references you’re “ready to pop” and another that you’re “red, white, and due.” For the girl about to become a big sister, a great shirt idea could be about her being a little firecracker.

2. Social Media Announcements

For announcing on social media, there are options about your “sleepless nights,” sparklers, and firecrackers, depending on your wording preference.

Thanksgiving Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

Fall-themed reveals that highlight gratitude and family.

1. Shirts for Mom

This, not a food baby shirt, is a great way to let people know that you’re expecting come Thanksgiving. This one is also super cute and features a turkey with some baby footprints.

2. Social Media Announcement

These digital downloads are a cute way to announce on social media. One references being more thankful this year, and in the other, you’re stuffed with love.

With so many fun and meaningful pregnancy announcement ideas, you’re sure to find something that fits your personality and family. Whether you want something creative, heartfelt, or hilarious, the most important part is sharing your joy in a way that feels right for you. Congratulations — and enjoy planning your big reveal!