How Early Should Should You Disclose Your Pregnancy?

Relatives

• Family members are great sources of support. The sooner you tell them, the sooner you can ask them for advice or questions about pregnancy. Having a support system is crucial at this time, especially if it's your first pregnancy.

  Women who have experienced miscarriages in the past or are in high-risk pregnancies usually wait until after the first trimester to tell loved ones. Risk of miscarriage drops dramatically around the 10th to 12th week of pregnancy. Telling relatives the great news around this time will decrease the chance that you will have to break the news of a loss if one should occur.

Your Children

• Wait until after the first trimester to tell your children about your pregnancy to avoid the possibility of having to explain to them something unexpected happened to the baby. In addition, it's vital you tell your children the news when they are relaxed and not stressing out about other issues. Sit down with them when you have enough time for a discussion about your pregnancy. With a young child, waiting until you start to show can help your youngster better understand that you're carrying a baby.

  Avoid telling your children about your pregnancy before you announce it to people outside of your household -- unless you don't mind if your children tell other people. It's unfair to expect them to keep a secret. The older your child, the earlier you can announce your news to him or her. Dr. William Sears, well-known pediatrician, suggests sharing age-appropriate books about pregnancy with your children. Share diagrams of a baby's growth in the womb. This can help fuel a discussion about how long it takes a baby to develop before birth.

At the Office

• You must take into consideration several factors when timing your pregnancy announcement at work. First, research your employer's maternity leave plan before telling your boss. This will help you handle any discussion your boss may want to have after you make your announcement. Women who have jobs that may expose them and their baby to dangerous elements should tell their bosses immediately. This way, both the expectant mother and her boss can make plans for special safety procedures and/or taking the appropriate leave.

  Also, if you are experiencing severe morning sickness and missing work because of it, it's best to tell your co-workers about your situation so that they will understand the reason behind your absence or tardiness. Remember these are the people who may have to assume responsibility for your work when you take maternity leave.

  If you are expecting a promotion, hold off on announcing your pregnancy as long as possible. When you do tell your boss, reassure him that you're planning to work for as long as you can during your pregnancy and plan to return to work as soon as possible.

Friends and Acquaintances

• It is completely up to you when to announce your pregnancy to friends and acquaintances. It may be easier to tell them about your situation earlier, though, to avoid awkward explanations about why you can̵7;t have any alcohol or are too tired to socialize. Also, people whom you see frequently may start to notice biological changes after a while. If you don't tell them, they may feel uncomfortable because they wonder why you̵7;re not sharing the news with them. Making them aware of your pregnancy will also give you more time to celebrate the good news with close friends.