Your guide to a fun yet empathetic pregnancy reveal

Announcing your pregnancy can be joy-filled or daunting (and maybe a bit of both) depending on your situation and your audience. Here we share different considerations for surprise pregnancies and long-wanted pregnancies, as well as how to share your news with those who will be thrilled and those who may struggle to be excited for you.

Pregnancy reveal ideas: how and when for those closest to you

Typically, your partner or the baby’s father will be first to know, perhaps followed by parents and siblings, your own kids (if you have one or some!) and maybe some close friends. Here’s how to navigate some of these scenarios.

Pregnancy reveal to husband or partner

Your partner may already know; many people choose to be with a loved one while waiting for the results of their pregnancy test. But if you’ve tested and your partner doesn’t yet know, you may be wondering how to share the news. If you’ve been trying to conceive (TTC) or your partner knows you’re testing, you might consider checking out our list of creative ways to share the news.

But what if your partner doesn’t want to have a baby or doesn’t want to have another baby? (Maybe you don’t want to have a baby, either.) Be honest. You may be filled with anxiety about sharing this news, but the only way to lessen that anxiety is to share it. Honesty builds trust, which is important in any relationship. Choose a place and time that allows for privacy. Think about the strong and perhaps confusing feelings you experienced when you first saw the positive test. Your partner’s feelings may not be the same, but they will likely be strong and perhaps confusing too. You may be prepared for their reaction or their reaction may surprise you. Give them time to process. And then, when the time is right, sit down together to discuss next steps.

Pregnancy reveal ideas for family (e.g., those kids you already have!)

If you’re pregnant and you have kids, check out our age-by-age guide on how to tell them you’re pregnant. Even though it’s hard to think about, consider the possibility of early pregnancy loss. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester, which is why many people wait to reveal their pregnancy until they’re about three months in.¹ Also keep in mind that kids aren’t always the best at keeping secrets.

When you’re ready to tell your kids, be mindful of the time of day and environment. Finding out you’re about to be a big sibling is a big deal, and your kiddo may have big feelings. Try to make the experience as positive as possible. Here are a few fun ways to share the news:

• Read a picture book that talks about becoming a sibling.
• Gift them a new baby doll.
• Show them their own baby pictures and photos of you when you were pregnant with them.
• Share an ultrasound picture and explain what’s in the image.
• Take a field trip to a farm or a zoo and talk about the animals and their babies.

Pregnancy reveal ideas to parents and siblings

How you tell your parents or guardians that you’re pregnant depends on many personal factors. Do you have a good relationship with them? Do they have a good relationship with your partner (if you have one)? Will they be overjoyed at the news, knowing you’ve been TTC? Will they feel sad, hurt or jealous if they very much want their own children but don’t yet have any? Will they be surprised because the pregnancy is unplanned? Will they be worried (about support, your age, money, etc.)?

Considering ahead of time how your parents and siblings might react can help you set boundaries and better decide how and when to share the news. If you’re nervous, consider writing down your thoughts and feelings first. If you’re simply excited, there are many fun ways to share the news. Here are a few creative ideas:

• Gift them something that says “grandma,” “grandpa,” “aunt” or “uncle.”
• If you have older children, bring them along wearing “big sister” or “big brother” T-shirts.
• During dinner, put a literal bun in the oven and then take it out when the timing is right (this is a classic move).
• Write a letter about how much their parenting or being your sister or brother has meant to you — and helped you prepare.
• Invite them to a meal of baby-themed food (think baby back ribs, baby carrots, mini desserts, etc.).

Pregnancy reveal ideas for a wider audience

Eventually, you may want to share your news with a wider circle. You might want to start with where you work. In our article about announcing your pregnancy at work, we share when and how to tell your boss you’re pregnant, questions to ask after sharing your news, and resources for navigating pregnancy in the workplace.

Many people post their pregnancy announcement on social media, which can be a great way to share your news! But do give some thought to privacy, and how public you want your announcement to be. Also, consider your audience. You may not know that an old high school classmate recently experienced an early pregnancy loss or that a former colleague just had another failed IVF attempt. If you’re happy, you are allowed to be happy — there’s no arguing that. But it also may be helpful to consider these tips:

• Before revealing your pregnancy publicly, consider having private conversations with anyone you know who’s going through a difficult time.
• Give people space and time to process your news.
• If someone’s reaction isn’t what you were expecting, be empathetic, and remember: You never know what someone else is going through.
• Save conversations about how you’re feeling (physically, mentally and emotionally) and baby-related projects (such as decorating the nursery) for folks who aren’t navigating their own fertility challenges.
• Read our article on setting boundaries with friends.

You can be empathetic and discretionary and still have fun making your pregnancy news public. Here are some ideas:

Pregnancy reveal photoshoot

If you plan to announce your pregnancy on social media, you might want to consider a fun photoshoot. Some people hire a photographer, but you can easily stage a photo on your own, or ask a friend or family member for help. Ideas (with or without a partner) include:

• Pose with an ultrasound photo.
• Put a pair of baby shoes next to your shoes or between your and your partner’s shoes.
• Include an older sibling who wears a T-shirt or holds up a sign announcing the news.
• Place your hands in the shape of a heart on your belly.
• Hold up a sign or onesie that says “Coming soon!”

Pregnancy reveal box

You can find premade pregnancy reveal boxes online, or you can make one yourself! They’re fun to give as gifts in person or send in the mail to out-of-town friends and family. Contents might include:

• A onesie, perhaps with a special message
• A card with baby footprints on it
• A fortune cookie with a personalized note inside
• Baby supplies the recipient might use for future babysitting
• A personalized puzzle that must be solved to reveal your special message

Holiday pregnancy reveal

If the timing is right, you might want to consider a Christmas pregnancy reveal, Valentine’s Day pregnancy reveal or any other holiday pregnancy reveal! Ideas include:

• A special ornament tucked into the Christmas tree
• A photo of the word “love” with the letter “v” made out of baby shoes
• A plastic Easter egg with a note inside
• A big carved pumpkin (maybe in the shape of a heart) with a baby pumpkin inside
• A special New Year’s toast (non-alcoholic, of course)

Pregnancy reveal cake

A cake can be a fun way to share your news with family, friends or those you work with! Fun messages to include with frosting could be:

• “We’re having a baby!”
• “Oh, Baby!”
• Your due date
• X months
• A question mark surrounded by pink and blue sprinkles

Pregnancy reveal gifts

Everyone loves gifts, and pregnancy reveal gifts can be easily tailored to the recipient. Ideas include:

• A bottle of wine with a label that says “Pairs well with becoming an aunt, uncle, etc.”
• A mug that says “World’s Best Grandma, Grandpa, etc.”
• Personalized cookies
• Pregnancy reveal scratch-off “lottery” tickets (you can find these online)
• A keychain, golf balls, necklace, etc. inscribed with the recipient’s new title (like “Cool Aunt”)

Pregnancy reveal scavenger hunt

A pregnancy reveal scavenger hunt can be great fun during friend or family gatherings. You can find premade cards online or make your own! Each card directs the reader to a new location with fun clues until the final card — and big announcement — is found. Card ideas include:

• “This is where we rest our heads, lack of sleep is something I dread.”
• “Scrub-a-dub-dub, soon there will be splashing in our tub!”
• “Ice cream, pickles, lemonade and more: When I have cravings I open this door.”
• “Here we watch our favorite teams but soon cartoons will fill our screens.”
• “Check the back seat of my car, which will soon look different to be up to par.”

Pregnancy reveal with your dog

If you’re a parent to a beloved fur baby, consider including your dog or cat in on the fun. Pregnancy reveals with dogs are often used in photos, but they also can be fun during an outing in which your dog is allowed to come! These ideas include cute phrases on signs or bandanas such as:

• “I’m getting a human”
• “Official toy tester”
• “Newest pack member coming (date)”
• “Guard dog duty begins”
• “I thought I was the baby!”

How and when you reveal your pregnancy is a deeply personal decision. You know your situation — and the situations of others — best. Think about how you’d feel in various situations while also being true to yourself and your feelings, whatever they may be. Also, remember that we’re all human. You may say something you wish you hadn’t and someone may do the same to you. Regardless of people’s reactions, you’re entitled to be very excited about your pregnancy.

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