To Tell Or Not To Tell - That Is The Question

So you’ve just gotten a positive result on your pregnancy test or gotten the word from your doctor that confirms you are expecting, what now? Some couples, particularly those becoming parents for the first time, will be so full of joy and anticipation that they can barely contain their excitement. Others may feel anxious or worried about revealing the good news too soon. Letting your family and friends know about your pregnancy is a personal decision, there is no right or wrong way to go about it.

At some point, your bulging belly will make it obvious, but exactly how and when you break the news is up to you. If you choose to tell people early in the pregnancy, you may be able to avail yourself of important support and advice, both physical and emotional. Not only will you be able to share your joy, you’ll be able to get tips on finding good medical support which can be invaluable. Also, the support of family and friends can be crucial in the event of a serious complication or a miscarriage.

On the flip side, there is such a thing as too much advice and the sooner you make people aware of your pregnancy, the more well meaning input you’ll have to deal with. Also, if you tell some people right away, they may begin to spread the news to others before you get the chance to yourself. And while support may be welcomed after a miscarriage, some women may prefer not to have to explain away a loss.

Waiting a while to share the news can allow you time to digest it yourself and make initial decisions without the input of others. Some women prefer to hold off on an announcement until the risk of miscarriage or other complications has passed, in order to avoid having to do a lot of difficult explaining. Of course, by delaying announcing you are necessarily robbing yourself of potential support and knowledge which may be helpful.

Becoming pregnant is a wonderful, emotional experience, the beginning of an incredible journey. No matter who may be joining you or when, make sure you remember to relax and enjoy the trip.