“What is the best time during pregnancy to tell siblings and family I am pregnant?”

What is the best time during pregnancy to tell siblings and family I am pregnant?

Many couples prefer waiting until after their first trimester to tell friends and family members they are pregnant. This is a personal decision only you and your partner can decide.

Personally I always told friends and family very soon after discovering I was pregnant. The joy that comes with a new pregnancy is often hard to contain. That said, many women will wait until they are 12 weeks pregnant before telling friends and family they are pregnant. After 12 weeks the risks associated with miscarriage decrease significantly.

Some women worry that by telling people too early they are pregnant they might “jinx” their pregnancy. The more positively you think of your pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, the more likely you are to enjoy a positive and anxiety free pregnancy.

There are some benefits of telling family early that you are pregnant, even if you do have a miscarriage. For one, your friends and family will be there to support you during the emotional ups and downs often experienced when a pregnancy is lost. Your family will prove a valuable support system should this be the case.

Other times, women prefer waiting simply because they like the idea of having a “secret.” Until you tell someone you are pregnant, you can sit back and enjoy the mystery and miracle that is pregnancy. Many women enjoy this special time to bond with their baby.

When Should I Tell My Boss I Am Pregnant?
When you tell your employer you are pregnant is up to you. While many women are willing to tell friends and family of their pregnancy early on, most are less eager to tell their employer.

Many prefer to wait until after the risk of early miscarriage is over. This means waiting until 12 or more weeks pregnant. Still others attempt to conceal their pregnancy until they are about four or five months along, when they simply can’t hide it any longer because they are showing.

Keep in mind if you would rather conceal your pregnancy you may have some difficulty at least if you are experiencing many of the common first trimester side effects of pregnancy. Morning sickness and fatigue often plague moms to be during the first trimester. Fortunately there are steps you can take to help reduce your nausea and fatigue if you want to conceal your pregnancy. These include:

•  Take mini breaks during the day and stretch your legs. Get some fresh air if you can as this will improve your well-being and help you feel less tired.
•  Keep some crackers and other bland munchies handy to help combat nausea. Morning sickness is far more common on an empty stomach than a full one.
•  Avoid overly greasy or fatty foods that can contribute to nausea.
•  Avoid strong odors including the smell of coffee because they can sometimes worsen existing nausea.

I found it easiest if I told one or two close confidants during my pregnancy of my early pregnancy. Together we coped with the side effects of my pregnancy together, allowing me to wait until I was three months along before I told my then employer I was pregnant.

Keep in mind you should do what you feel most comfortable with. At some point however, you will need to discuss your pregnancy with your employer so you can talk about your pregnancy leave and other time off you may need to accommodate your pregnancy. Be sure you take some time to talk with your employer about your rights and any short term disability or pregnancy leave pay your employer may offer you. While not all employers offer such options, it’s a good idea to check in with Human Resources to verify your benefits.

The good news is most pregnancies are welcomed as a joyous and fun occasion, even for your employer. You may be surprised to find your employer offers to throw you a baby shower!