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When should we share the pregnancy with family?

First Trimester

When should we share the pregnancy with family?

My husband and I just found out that we are expecting our first child. I took the pregnancy test as early as possible, (I'm very anxious and impatient) :) so I'm only about 5 weeks now. We live about 3 hours away from both of our parents, and don't go home to visit very often. However, my brother's birthday is next weekend (7/9), so it would be a good chance to share the news with my family, and we can visit his family while we're close and tell them. Is 6 weeks too early to share our good news?
asked by laurenicole605 1 year 47 weeks ago
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answers (4)
by azriona submitted 1 year 46 weeks

Basically, it's your call.  But you might want to weigh the pros and cons first. 

 

You're right that it seems like a perfect time to tell everyone in one fell swoop, while they're all together - but be aware that the moment you make the announcement, you'll effectively have stolen your brother's birthday from him.  (I'm not saying don't use the opportunity - but perhaps be careful about how you time it, or maybe let your brother know in advance, and ask if he'd be okay with you telling everyone else at the party.) 

 

I know a lot of people wait until after they're past the first trimester to tell most friends and family, because its too much of a let-down should the worst happen.  But I don't think there's much wrong in telling a few people who are close to you (either geographically or emotionally), because they'll be someone you can lean on in that situation.

 

And one good reason to tell them is because heck - it IS exciting news, and it's fun to get everyone in on the excitement!

 

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by laurenicole605 submitted 1 year 46 weeks

Thanks for the advice. Here's my plan-I typed up a poem from Baby and put it in an 8x10 frame. Before ALL of the family (grandparents, cousins, etc.) gets there, I plan on telling my parents that I have something for them, and giving them the frame and letting them read it. At this point, it will just be me, my hubby, my parents, and my brother.

Then, I plan on setting the frame out on the counter, so that when everyone comes in, they can read the poem themselves, and we can all celebrate.

As for my brother, he's turning 19 and getting ready to leave for college-he's not the sentimental type (you know how that goes!) , so I don't think he'll mind our announcement at his birthday celebration.

To tell my hubby's mom, it's her birthday also, so we bought her a 'grandma' birthday card, since it will be the 1st grandchild for her also. She's been hinting at us getting pregnant, so I know she'll be thrilled!!!

Thanks again for the advice-I think we're going to go for it!

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by azriona submitted 1 year 46 weeks

I like those ideas - especially about the poem.  Because everyone who HAS read it is going to goad the ones who haven't into reading it.  Way funny.

 

I would, however, still urge you to talk to your brother about this plan, just to make sure he's good with it.  He may be 19, unsentimental, and about to head off to college, but I think he'd still appreciate the heads up that you're planning on doing this at what is essentially HIS party.  Even if he doesn't care that you do it, he'll appreciate that you asked permission.  (And yeah, I sort of speak from experience here; my brother was so pissed off about the way we announced our son's arrival, he still doesn't talk to me.  My son is 19 months old.)

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by sosueme submitted 1 year 45 weeks

send out a mass email or make several 3 way phone calls to your family. i would wait until i have had 1 or 2 doctors visits.

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