From the moment you see a positive pregnancy test, it’s natural to want to share the news with the people you love. You may already be imagining how you’ll tell your partner or how your family will react. While it’s exciting to start planning your announcement, it’s also worth thinking about when the right time might be to share your pregnancy.

There is no universal “best time” to announce you’re pregnant, but there are important factors to consider. This guide walks you through common timelines and the pros and cons so you can choose the timing that feels right for you.

Related: The Ultimate List of Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

When Is It Safe To Announce Your Pregnancy?

Timing is personal, but understanding common medical milestones can help you feel more confident in your decision.

Most people wait until after their first trimester to share their pregnancy announcement. But how does this timeline factor into when to tell people you are pregnant? Unfortunately, 80% of miscarriages occur within the first trimester.¹ But after this point, the chances of miscarriage drop to 2-4 percent, so while it still can happen, it’s less likely.² Of course, when you announce your pregnancy is up to you and should be based on when you’re comfortable doing so.

Pros and Cons of Waiting to Announce Your Pregnancy

There are benefits to both sharing early and waiting. Here are key pros and cons to consider as you choose what works for your family.

Pro: Delaying the Well-Intentioned but Nerve-Grating Comments

A little privacy early on lets you enjoy the news before outside opinions and advice start coming in.

Remember that excitement you couldn’t wait another moment to share? Unfortunately, with all that celebration of an announcement also comes criticisms and well-meaning advice. Everyone has an opinion and a million questions regarding your pregnancy, and waiting to tell people means you don’t have to listen to them right away.

Related: Fun Ways to Tell Your Partner You Are Pregnant

Con: Not Having Support Early On

Sharing sooner can help you get emotional and practical support during the hardest early weeks.

Whether it’s your first pregnancy or your fifth, you’re excited! However, that excitement doesn’t stop your first trimester from feeling overwhelming. So, having support during these trying moments makes all the difference — the sooner, the better.

Pro: Creating a Pregnancy Announcement with a Sonogram

Waiting allows you to include a clear ultrasound photo, which many families love for announcements.

Waiting to tell everyone after your first trimester means being able to include a sonogram picture of your future bundle of joy in your pregnancy announcement. If you wait until after your 18-20 week ultrasound, it’ll be easier to make out your baby’s image — and possibly gender.⁴

Con: Having To Skirt Around the Truth

If you’re known to have a drink when you’re out with friends, and suddenly you stop drinking, you might feel compelled to come up with a reason to keep questions at bay until you’re ready. Choosing to delay your announcement means coming up with a few good excuses now.

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

Pro: Waiting to Tell Work Delays the Extra Cautious Behavior

Pregnancy should be celebrated, and pregnant people should be well taken care of. But your coworkers, boss, and even HR might be overly cautious with the “light duty” suggestions and taking it easy. There are laws in place to protect pregnant employees, but they don’t change the unspoken treatment and potential pressures. You know your limits; waiting to tell people at work can keep things normal for a little longer.

Con: Waiting to Tell Your Boss Means Hiding Reasons for Sick Days

If you’re experiencing morning sickness in your first trimester, you may have to be late to work or call out altogether for the day. There’s a good chance management will understand your change in circumstances. So, telling your boss could mean no longer having to pass morning sickness off as the flu or food poisoning.

Sharing your pregnancy news should feel exciting, not stressful. Whether you prefer to announce early or wait until later, trust your comfort level and choose the timing that feels right for you. What matters most is that you share your joy in a way that feels authentic to your growing family.