When To Tell People You’re Pregnant: Guide for 2025

Finding out you’re pregnant is nothing short of magical. The moment the test turns positive, a wave of emotions floods in—excitement, joy, and maybe even a bit of shock. But as the initial thrill fades, you might find yourself faced with a question that can be surprisingly tricky: When do I tell people?

Whether you’re bursting to share your news or feeling more cautious about it, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right time to announce your pregnancy is a deeply personal decision. However, understanding common considerations can help guide your choice. So, let’s explore the many factors at play when deciding who to tell, when, and how to share the big news.

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”
— Elizabeth Stone

Telling Your Partner: The First Step in Your Journey

If you’ve been trying to conceive, you might already be together when you see those two pink lines appear on the test. But for some, the news comes as a complete surprise—and how you share that with your partner matters.

The moment you tell your partner is one you’ll remember forever. It’s a monumental step, so try to choose a time that feels special and personal. You don’t want to drop the news in the middle of a hectic workday or during a family gathering. Instead, find a quiet moment when you can truly absorb the news together.

My story: When I found out I was pregnant, we had just begun trying, so it was a huge surprise. I waited until my boyfriend came home from work, making sure we had a peaceful moment to share the news. It became an intimate, private experience just for us, before the world would know. A calm moment like that made it all the more meaningful!

“A grand adventure is about to begin.” — Winnie the Pooh

Telling Your Closest Friends: The Confidants Who Share Your Fears and Joy

Once you’ve told your partner, you might feel the urge to spill the news to your closest friends. For some, this is a no-brainer—especially if your friend circle is tight-knit and supportive. But for others, it can be a bit more complicated.

Many people choose to wait until the end of the first trimester (around 12 weeks) before telling friends. Why? Well, this is often due to the reduced risk of miscarriage after this point. But it’s also about feeling ready—without any reservations—to share the news. Others, however, might feel the need for support earlier, especially if they’re experiencing early pregnancy symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or food aversions.

My story: I told one of my closest friends at around 6 weeks. She was supportive, but I didn’t anticipate how hearing about her sister-in-law’s recent loss would impact me. It made me second-guess telling anyone so early. The reality is, not everyone will be able to share your joy the way you expect. And that’s okay!

Remember, timing and the person you’re sharing with really matter. Some people may bring up fears you’re not yet ready to discuss.

Telling Your Family: Special Moments and Big Reactions

When it comes to family, the stakes feel higher. You might worry more about their reactions because their opinions matter to you in a different way than your friends. Depending on your relationship, you might want to make the announcement a group event, or you might prefer a quiet, more personal conversation.

My story: I shared the news with my family one person at a time starting around the 10-week mark. I chose private moments to make it feel personal and special. For my boyfriend’s family, we waited until I was around 17 weeks along and made the announcement at a family cookout. It was a bit more casual, but still memorable.

Remember that once the news is out, it’s probably going to spread pretty quickly. If you feel like there’s someone who might be hurt if they find out through the grapevine, try to reach out to them directly first. And no matter who it is, be prepared for any reaction—whether it’s joy, tears, or even a bit of nervousness. Everyone reacts differently!

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”
— Michael J. Fox

Telling Your Kids: How to Prepare Them for the Big Change

If you already have children, you might be wondering when and how to tell them. There’s no right age to share the news, but you might want to consider how well your child will understand the concept of a new sibling.

For younger kids, the idea of a baby can be abstract, so waiting until you start showing might be a good idea. But for older kids, you can share the news earlier, and even involve them in the process—like helping pick out baby names or talking about how things will change.

It’s also important to be mindful of how your pregnancy symptoms might affect your kids. If you’re experiencing first trimester woes like morning sickness, fatigue, or mood swings, try not to associate those feelings with the baby. You don’t want them to think that the baby is making Mommy sick or keeping her from playing with them.

If you want to ease them into the idea, you could start talking about your own childhood memories or read books about siblings. This will give them time to process the idea in their own way.

Telling Work: Practical Considerations

Finally, there’s the question of when to tell your employer. This part of the process can feel a little awkward—especially if you’re still early in your pregnancy and you’re not sure how much to share. But it’s important to think about how your job might impact your pregnancy and when it’s time to start planning for leave.

If your job has any health or safety hazards, it’s a good idea to let your employer know sooner rather than later. This can help avoid any unnecessary risks and allow them to make adjustments to your role if needed. Even if your work environment is relatively safe, you may still want to tell HR early about your pregnancy so you can discuss maternity leave options and any accommodations you might need.

Each company has its own policies regarding maternity leave and pregnancy, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these details as soon as possible. Some companies offer paid leave or childcare resources, so it’s worth checking to see what’s available.

Your partner may want to inform their employer around the 20-week mark to ensure they can also take advantage of any paternity leave benefits and make any necessary work arrangements.

This post may contain affiliate links. When you buy through links or my site, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. Also, the information on this site is NOT intended to be medical advice. Please seek professional medical care if needed. See disclosures for more information.

Practical Tips for Telling People You’re Pregnant

Here are a few helpful pointers as you think through how and when to share your pregnancy news:

1. Trust Your Instincts: Only share your news when you’re ready. There’s no set rule for when you should announce it—this is your journey, and you get to decide when to take the next step.
2. Consider Your Support System: Think about how the person you’re telling might react. If you’re not ready to talk about fears or concerns, maybe hold off on telling someone who might inadvertently dampen your joy.
3. Be Prepared for Mixed Reactions: People’s responses can vary, and that’s okay! Some will be thrilled, while others may have negative views. The key is to focus on your excitement and the support you do have.
4. Make the Moment Special: Whether you tell family and friends in private or make a big public announcement, try to make the moment feel special. This is a big milestone in your life!
5. Take Care of Yourself: If you’re dealing with morning sickness or fatigue, don’t feel pressured to share the news right away. Wait until you’re feeling up to it or until you’re ready to embrace the changes.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the timing of your pregnancy announcement is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to share the news early or wait until you’re further along, the most important thing is that you do so in a way that feels authentic to you and your journey. You’ve got this—enjoy the process of sharing your exciting news!

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