Save the (Due) Date: When Should You Announce Your Pregnancy?

Is there a correct time for announcing pregnancy? Many women choose to announce their pregnancy at the end of the first trimester (at 3 months or 12 weeks age of gestation) because there is less risk of miscarriage and of course, because by this time it’s much more difficult to hide the ‘bump’.  Many women also feel that they only need to tell ‘key people’ like their parents and grandparents. They would also not want to go through the extra stress of bearing bad news to more people if they end up having a miscarriage. The first trimester can be challenging – especially for first-time moms – because of nausea and vomiting, so couples also usually inform their parents or immediate family of the pregnancy especially since they need their support during this time.

Some prefer to wait for the congenital anomaly scanning done at 18 to 20 weeks, so that they are assured their pregnancy is fine. I think there are no hard and fast rules for the right time to announce the pregnancy as it depends on the mom, couple, and the surrounding circumstances. 

Another concern is if they need to tell people whom they work with, such as one’s boss. If it’s for transparency in the workplace, and for reporting purposes to GSIS or SSS, then it might be advisable to inform your immediate head in the office. 

How do you announce the pregnancy? There are actually various creative ideas. One of them is by showing the ultrasound picture of the fetus with a heartbeat. You can research many ingenious ideas online. This is definitely a special moment for the couple that deserves a celebration.

Reference

About The Writer

DR. CHRISTIA PADOLINA, OB-GYN

Dr. Christia S. Padolina is the president of the Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecological Society (POGS) Foundation Inc. It is the premiere organization of obstetricians and gynecologists nationwide.

It was a dream come true for her to become a physician. Her mother was sickly and she had so much expectations on the healthcare system being on the other side of the equation. She is a graduate of the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. It was there that she realized that she wanted to become an obstetrician Gynecologist. She does not mind waking up in the wee hours of the morning as she finds delivering babies exhilarating. 

Her subspecialty in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology in the University of New Mexico in USA paved the way for better maternal care. She is locally and internationally known advocate for safe motherhood.
 

The views and opinions expressed by the writer are his/her own, and does not state or reflect those of Wyeth Nutrition and its principals.