That’s it, you are pregnant, finally pregnant, pregnant again, or surprised: you are expecting! In just a few words, and to your greatest joy, you’re having a baby—it’s official. Now comes the question of making the announcement. To whom, how, and, above all, when should you reveal your pregnancy? Right away? After 12 weeks’ amenorrhea (WA), or maybe it’s 12 weeks of pregnancy (WP)? To all your friends, the authorities, and your employer too? These are very common questions, and we’ll do our best to provide some answers.
CONTENTS
- Three months pregnant and a superstition
- Why announce your pregnancy after 12 weeks?
- Exclusively, announcing to the father
- Announcing your pregnancy to loved ones and seeing their eyes light up
- A few creative ideas for announcing your pregnancy
- Declaring your pregnancy to the administration for proper follow-up
- Carrying life and fully experiencing (all) your emotions
Three months pregnant and a superstition
Many couples keep the joy of expecting a child more or less secret for three months. You surely know some, and perhaps you are one of them. A “reasonable period” often presented as a recommendation. But, a recommendation from whom, and for what reasons?
Around 12 weeks of amenorrhea (WA)—that is, 12 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period—the first mandatory prenatal ultrasound is done. This checks the fetus’ vitality, estimates its age, and clarifies the estimated due date.
For most expectant parents, it is considered best to wait until this milestone and confirmation that all is well to make a wider announcement about their child’s arrival. Indeed, a kind of superstition exists suggesting that announcing a pregnancy too early brings bad luck.
Why announce your pregnancy after 12 weeks?
Because an ultrasound is the best tool to track fetal development, and because the risk of miscarriage is greatest during the earliest weeks after conception, doctors often refer to the 12 WA mark as a reasonable checkpoint for a healthy continuation of pregnancy.
Over time, this caution has become almost a superstition for some parents-to-be, who prefer to remain discreet up to this point.
On the other hand, announcing your pregnancy before the end of the first trimester allows you to feel less alone when facing the whirlwind of motherhood. By choosing one or more confidants, you immediately share a tremendous dose of happiness. With them, you don’t have to hide, mask your nausea, or explain why you’re not drinking wine! And most importantly, if there’s a problem—or simply because pregnancy symptoms can be difficult to manage—you feel stronger because you are more supported.
Going through a miscarriage and facing misunderstanding
Each year in France, according to the report published by MP Sandrine Josso, about 200,000 detected miscarriages occur before the 14th week of amenorrhea. In France, a spontaneous abortion (detected or very early) impacts or will impact one in four women at some point in their lives.
These numbers reinforce the fear of a pregnancy ending too soon, the fear of talking about it too early, and the anxiety of someday having to share sad news.
Because while experiencing a miscarriage is difficult, telling loved ones is also challenging, and this is another reason often cited by women for not announcing the pregnancy right away.
But once you pass that mark, once your doubts are gone and your baby is comfortably settled, it’s time to let your joy shine and tell the world your news.
Exclusively, announcing to the father
Indeed, after you, he is the main person involved—and as such, he deserves a unique announcement. The future dad, or your partner, is the person you can share the news with first, often on the very same day.
If he’s not with you when you see the positive result, take time for yourself, breathe, take in the great news, and think about the best moment to tell him! Maybe over a romantic dinner? A surprise, a letter, or even your pregnancy test wrapped as a gift? Either way, you’ll do it right.
And by the way, if you’re expecting a baby, the whole Élhée Team shares in your happiness.🤍 Feel free to share it with us on Instagram. We’d be delighted to celebrate with you there.
The Full of Love Gift Set, for a big-hearted announcement
Because having a child is, above all, an immense act of love, the Élhée team has created a 100% romantic, 100% stylish, 100% emotional bottle set just for you. It consists of a 150 ml bottle, a 240 ml bottle and a cotton muslin swaddle 27.5x27.5 in—all decorated with plump red hearts. This set is a beautiful way to announce pregnancy, celebrate Valentine’s Day, or both at once!
A Full of Love gift box (limited edition) to say “I love you,” “I’m proud to share my life with you,” “You’re going to be a dad,” “Our happiness is about to grow”… Above all, a set of anti-colic bottles,physiological nipples in medical-grade silicone, to prioritize your baby’s comfort and well-being from day one.
Announcing your pregnancy to loved ones and seeing their eyes light up
Nothing is harder than hiding your happiness from those you love, especially as it starts to show in your growing curves. Also, since pregnancy often comes with various symptoms (like fatigue and nausea) and certain dietary restrictions, among others, having a child isn’t the easiest secret to keep. Not to mention the excitement! The urge to tell, to share, to ask questions, to dream…
The ideal time to share your happy news with your family will be the moment that feels right, deep down inside you. Pregnancy announcement at Christmas, at a birthday, during a family vacation or simply on a Sunday afternoon over coffee—it's entirely up to you.
Announcing the upcoming arrival of a child is also a great opportunity to talk about the first baby gifts! Furniture, strollers, clothes, maternal care items or baby products, you can start putting together your wish list right away.
When should you tell your oldest child that you’re expecting?
With all the joy of being pregnant, you gradually realize that your first child—your oldest—might see things differently. Up until now, the center of attention, he’ll have to learn to share.
Telling your child that you’re pregnant should always be done with joy and positivity. It’s a great way to show them that the most wonderful news has arrived.
After waiting until the end of the first trimester—even if your child already suspects something—show them your first ultrasound, your growing belly, have them guess in a playful way, and why not set up a daily ritual of hugs or songs to the future baby through your belly?
A few creative ideas for announcing your pregnancy
Once you’ve chosen the perfect time to share your pregnancy, make it creative with Pomelo Creation®. We offer several creative options to surprise your loved ones and watch their wonder. Try a scratch-off card to add suspense and surprise, a crossword card to make the announcement in a fun way, or a custom bottle label for a unique, memorable announcement.
Declaring your pregnancy to the administration for proper follow-up
This step is handled for you. If the pregnancy declaration must be sent to the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) before the 14th week, your primary care physician or OB/GYN usually submits it online, following the first prenatal checkup between the 9th and 12th week of amenorrhea.
If, however, you receive a paper pregnancy declaration, quickly send it to your local CAF and to the Health Insurance office for benefit calculations and eligibility for the birth grant.
When should you tell your employer you’re expecting? It’s your choice
Indeed, there’s no deadline requiring you to inform your employer or colleagues. It’s all about your own comfort.
However, the Labor Code specifies that every woman must declare her pregnancy and provide a medical certificate to benefit from her rights: authorized leave for medical appointments, reduced work hours, job security, and paid maternity leave. Note that these rights apply from the moment you inform your employer.
Carrying life and fully experiencing (all) your emotions
You now have the guidance you need to choose when to announce your pregnancy to the different circles in your life. But the most important element remains your own feelings about this announcement. To know when to talk about your unborn child, you must listen to your body, your desires, and your own emotions above all.
Every couple should be able to handle the pregnancy announcement however they want, at their own pace, according to their own history and beliefs.
Keeping your pregnancy secret for three months can be reassuring and self-protective: maybe because you’ve previously experienced the loss of a pregnancy, or simply to enjoy a few weeks of well-guarded joy and intimacy.
Nevertheless, more and more doctors and psychologists emphasize that this habit also contributes to making miscarriages invisible—those that occur before the 12th week of a pregnancy that was never shared.
Because pregnancy and parenthood are among the most powerful and life-changing adventures, free yourself from dogmas, norms, and diktats. Announce your child’s arrival or keep it to yourself; share freely or confide your fears. In this area, there is no universal truth—only your feelings.
IN SUMMARY
When should you announce your pregnancy: 12 WA or 12 WP?
To describe how far along you are, you can refer to weeks of pregnancy (WP, counted from conception) or weeks of amenorrhea (WA, counted from the first day of your last period). For announcing your pregnancy and following the three-month recommendation, it's generally best to wait until about 12 WP.
Why wait 12 weeks to announce your pregnancy?
Because most miscarriages happen in the early weeks of pregnancy, parents-to-be are usually advised to wait until the third month before sharing their news with everyone. Also, this is when—for most (between the 9th and 12th WA)—the first prenatal ultrasound is scheduled.
When to announce your pregnancy to your parents?
Telling your parents—your closest relatives—can be done rather quickly, after the pregnancy test and bloodwork results, from the very first days. It’s also a good time to talk openly about the risk of miscarriage, which is higher during the first trimester.
