Finding out you are pregnant is a life-changing moment filled with joy, nerves, and excitement. Whether you want to shout it from the rooftops or whisper it to your closest circle, the reveal is a memory you will cherish forever.
You might prefer a simple, intimate moment or a grand, creative production. There are countless ways to share your big news with the world.
We compiled a list of ideas to suit every personality and style. Get ready to spread the joy in the most unforgettable way.
Key Takeaways
- Most parents wait until the end of the first trimester (around week 12) to announce their pregnancy publicly.
- Key planning factors include your audience, timing, privacy preferences, and how much effort you want to invest.
- Popular announcement styles range from funny movie posters and pet participation to sentimental photoshoots and sibling reveals.
- Simple props like letter boards, ultrasounds, and tiny shoes are effective ways to create shareable memories without high costs.
When Should You Announce a Pregnancy?
Congratulations, you’re pregnant!
Now comes the first major decision: when do you spill the beans?
When to announce your pregnancy largely depends on your comfort level. Partners are usually the first to know, followed by parents and best friends. However, most expectant parents wait until the end of the first trimester before broadcasting the news to the wider world.
The risk of miscarriage decreases significantly once the pregnancy progresses past the first trimester. By the 13th week, many women feel more confident and secure sharing their journey. Ultimately, there is no “right” time; choose the moment that feels safe for you.
How to Announce Pregnancy
Before you post that photo or mail those cards, think through the logistics to ensure the reveal goes smoothly.
- Who you are telling: A surprise pregnancy announcement to your partner requires more intimacy than a blast on Facebook.
- Timing the announcement: Decide if you want to share early or wait. Many women opt to wait until the second trimester begins because the risk of miscarriage drops (1).
- Controlling the spread: If you want to control who knows, avoid social media. News travels fast online, and you can’t un-ring that bell.
- Effort level: Determine your bandwidth. Do you want a simple, clever photo, or does your vision require props, professional photographers, and editing?
- Personality match: Ensure the announcement reflects you. Skip the cutesy, fluffy props if you are generally a sarcastic or serious person.
Need some inspiration? Here are our top picks for the best pregnancy announcement ideas.
Funny Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
1. Movie Poster Fun
Purchase a movie poster template online or design your own. Snap a dramatic photo, add a witty tagline, and finish it off with your due date for a blockbuster reveal.
2. Chalk It Up
This is a fun option for the early stages of pregnancy. Use a chalkboard or a large piece of cardstock to draw a loading bar or a baby on your belly.
3. Floor Your Partner
Hit the funny bone with minimal setup. Grab your positive pregnancy test, have your partner pretend to pass out on the floor, and snap the picture.
4. Say It With an Earworm
Transform the infamous “Baby Shark” song into “Baby [Your Name], due due due due.” Add your due date to the sign. This announcement is guaranteed to get stuck in everyone’s head.
5. A Streaming Story
If your friends share your sense of humor, mock up a “Netflix” screen. A title like “Sleepless in Seattle” or a “New Season Coming Soon” graphic hits the mark.
6. Traditional Meets Modern
Revitalize the old-fashioned “bun in the oven” idiom. Place a literal burger bun on a rack in your open oven. It is simple, classic, and instantly recognizable.
7. A Laugh With a Twist
Find humor in the downsides of the first trimester. If you are dealing with morning sickness, pose by the toilet while your partner gives a thumbs up. It turns a rough situation into a funny memory.
8. We’re All Winners
Hand out custom scratch-off cards to family members. They get the thrill of winning a prize, followed by the joy of discovering the “jackpot” is a new baby.
9. Onesie Humor
Grab a funny onesie that references your partner’s hobbies or a family inside joke. It’s more creative than holding a plain shirt but just as easy to execute.
Cute Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
10. Tiny Shoes
The “tiny shoes” photo is a classic for a reason. Make yours stand out by drawing the birth year in chalk or including the baby’s potential name.
11. Fruity News
Compare your baby’s size to a piece of fruit. A blueberry, lemon, or avocado adds a pop of color and an air of mystery that doesn’t scream “baby” at first glance.
12. A Team Effort
Sports fans can announce a new recruit. Arrange a team jersey or onesie alongside the parents’ gear to show the roster is expanding.
13. Do the Math
Write out a simple equation on a chalkboard (1 + 1 = 3). If you are expecting multiples, this visual math problem explains the surprise perfectly.
14. Sock It to Me
Hang a line of socks including a tiny infant pair. This excuse to buy adorable baby clothes results in a charming, cozy photo.
15. The Family Business
Incorporate your career or passion into the reveal. If you are a gamer, chef, or musician, include a “Player 3” controller, a tiny whisk, or miniature headphones.
16. Bake the News
You don’t have to be a professional baker to use sweet treats. Order custom cookies or a cake, add your ultrasound photo, and let the sugar do the talking.
17. Gift the News
Create a “grandparent starter kit” or a similar gift box. Wrap it up with a big bow and record their reactions as they unwrap the surprise.
18. Snuggle Bug
Showcase your hobbies alongside a baby item. Whether it’s hiking boots or books, a miniature version connected to your interests makes it personal.
19. An Announcement With Sole
Line up the family’s shoes by birth year. Add the baby’s expected arrival month and year next to a pair of booties for a timeline effect.
20. Piece It Together
Order a custom puzzle that reveals the message “We’re Pregnant” when assembled. Mail these to family members for an interactive reveal.
Creative Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
21. Cryptic Announcement
Use subtle visual cues rather than text. A safety pin holding a smaller safety pin inside is a clever, minimalistic way to say “expecting.”
22. Play With It
Utilize LEGOs, action figures, or board game pieces. Set up a scene where the “parent” figures are welcoming a new, smaller figure.
23. Adding Another Shot
Line up coffee cups or beverages. Use a large cup for dad, a medium for mom, and a baby bottle or sippy cup for the new arrival.
24. Who’s This?
Post a close-up of the ultrasound without a caption. Watch the comments section to see who figures it out immediately and who needs a hint.
25. Cards Against Pregnancy
If your friends love Cards Against Humanity, mock up a custom card combination about having a baby. It fits the group’s vibe perfectly.
26. Ultrasound Trickery
Get creative with photo editing. Superimpose the ultrasound onto a TV screen, a billboard in the background, or a thought bubble.
27. The End of the World as We Know It
Show your sense of humor by staging a photo of you “saying goodbye” to sleep, money, or silent nights. It’s funny because it’s true.
28. Still Kids at Heart
Lay on the floor surrounded by baby toys, diapers, and bottles. Shoot the photo from above to create a chaotic, fun flat lay.
29. Place Your Bump Center Stage
Wear a graphic maternity tee. Whether it’s a baseball theme or a skeleton with a tiny baby skeleton, let your shirt do the talking.
30. A Twist on the Bun in the Oven
If the actual oven is too cliché, photograph a recipe card for a “New Family Member.” Include ingredients like “love” and “hugs,” and place the ultrasound nearby.
31. Graphic Novel Edition One
Design a comic book cover featuring your family as superheroes. Start a graphic novel series where the first issue announces the new sidekick.
32. Building Your Own Backup
Military members or first responders can announce they are “calling for backup.” A uniform photoshoot with baby boots is powerful and personal.
33. Make Them Work for It
Post a photo of odd cravings, like ice cream and pickles together. Don’t say anything else and wait for your friends to ask the question.
Surprise Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
34. A Famous Helping Hand
If you happen to meet a celebrity at a convention or event, ask them to hold a sign announcing your pregnancy. It’s a rare opportunity, but incredibly cool.
35. Drink It In
Serve coffee or tea to your partner or parents in a specialized mug. The text “You’re going to be a grandma” or “Hi Dad” is revealed at the bottom as they finish the drink.
36. Accidents Will Happen
If the pregnancy wasn’t planned, own the “oops.” A funny sign or a startled expression makes for a genuine and relatable reveal.
37. The First to Know
Book a photoshoot for you and your partner. Tell the photographer the plan, and reveal the news mid-shoot to capture their genuine reaction.
38. An Intimate Share
Prepare a gift box for your partner with the positive test and a handwritten note. Watch them open it in private for a moment you will never forget.
39. Surprise — Again
Subsequent pregnancies are just as exciting. You don’t need a pro photographer; a simple DIY setup at the kitchen table works wonders for shocking your partner again.
40. See What We Did?
Leave a letter board on the counter with a cheeky message and the ultrasound. Wait for your loved one to walk in and notice it.
41. Light It Up
Cinema lightboxes are perfect for this. Set up a message like “Coming Soon” next to baby items and leave it lit up in the living room.
42. It’s a Goal
Use your partner’s own sports gear. Place a tiny ball or jersey inside their gym bag or locker area for them to find.
43. Move Them With a Movie
Edit a movie poster of their favorite film to include your baby news. Frame it and hang it on the wall like normal decor to see how long it takes them to notice.
44. Getting Social
Create a mock social media post image and text it to your partner or close friends. It’s a meta way to break the news digitally before you do it publicly.
Pregnancy Announcement Ideas With Pets
45. Paws for Thought
Position your dog with a book about “How to Handle a Baby.” It captures the idea that your fur baby is preparing for their new sibling.
46. A Sign of What’s to Come
Hang a sign around your pet’s neck that says “Big Brother” or “Guard Dog on Duty.” It’s an effortless way to make your pet the star.
47. And My Next Job Is…
Give your pet a “promotion.” A chalkboard stating they are being promoted from “Only Child” to “Big Sister” is cute and clear.
48. Big Changes Are Coming for Us All
Prop the book “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” next to your pet. If you can get them to look at the pages, even better.
49. Certificate of Suitability
Create funny job titles. Design a certificate designating your dog as “Official Toy Tester” or “Diaper Sniffer” effective on your due date.
50. Funny Bunny
Don’t leave out the small pets. A bunny or guinea pig sitting next to a tiny pair of socks is an overload of cuteness.
51. Cat-Sister
Cats can be aloof, which makes this funnier. Put a “Big Sister” t-shirt on your cat (if they allow it) or lay it over them while they sleep.
52. Spell It Out
Use a letter board to narrate your pet’s thoughts. A caption like “Mom and Dad are getting me a human” usually pairs well with a confused animal face.
53. Secrets From Pets
Hold a sign saying “We’re having a baby,” while holding a second sign pointing to the dog that says “Don’t tell him yet.”
54. A Set-Up
Pose your pet next to an empty crib or a baby rocker. It visually sets the scene for the new friendship about to begin.
55. A Shoe Twist
Line up your shoes, your partner’s shoes, your pet’s collar, and a pair of baby booties. It represents the whole family unit.
Pregnancy Announcement Ideas With Siblings
56. Eviction Notice
Hang an “Eviction Notice” sign on the crib. Note that the current resident (the toddler) must vacate the premises by the due date.
57. A Positive Spin
Focus on the promotion. Have the older sibling wear a “Big Brother/Sister” shirt and flex their muscles or smile broadly.
58. Vote for Me
If it’s election season, make a yard sign. “Baby [Name] 2024” creates a campaign vibe, with the sibling acting as the campaign manager.
59. Quick and Easy
Hand-write a sign that says “Only Child” and cross it out. Let the sibling hold it while looking grumpy or excited.
60. Cutie
Go glamorous with the sibling reveal. Use balloons, glitter, and a “promoted” sash for a celebratory photoshoot.
61. Wingman
Lean into a Top Gun theme. The older sibling can wear aviators and a sign that says “Looking for my Wingman.”
62. Movie Fun
Dress the sibling as a superhero (like Batman) and place a “Robin coming soon” sign next to an empty cape.
63. Balance
Write “Tie Breaker” on a letter board if you have one boy and one girl. It adds a competitive, sporty fun to the news.
64. What I Think
Give each sibling a chalkboard to write their thoughts. You’ll get honest, hilarious reactions like “I wanted a puppy” or “Ew.”
65. Aerial Simplicity
Use sidewalk chalk to draw balloons or a stroller on the driveway. Have the sibling lie down next to the art and photograph them from a ladder.
66. Staggered
Capture the genuine reaction. Hand the ultrasound photo to the sibling and snap the picture the moment they realize what it is.
67. Flesh and Fur Babies
Get everyone in one shot. Line up the kids and the dogs on chairs or a sofa with a space reserved for the “New Human.”
68. Waiting for My Playmate
Photograph your child playing alone with a sign that says “Waiting for Player 2.” It’s sweet and highlights the bond they will share.
69. A New Team Member
Dress the sibling in a team jersey and hold up a smaller jersey. It implies the family squad is drafting a new rookie.
70. Balloon Reveal
Combine a gender reveal and pregnancy announcement. Have the sibling hold pink or blue balloons to announce the baby’s sex and existence simultaneously.
Holiday Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
71. Pumpkin Baby
Carve a large pumpkin and place a smaller pumpkin inside it. It’s a classic fall visual that requires zero words to understand.
72. Pumpkin in Pumpkin
Paint family names on pumpkins. Add a tiny pumpkin with a question mark or “Baby” written on it to the display.
73. A Family Announcement
Dress up as skeletons for Halloween. The mom’s costume can feature a tiny baby skeleton painted over the belly for a spooky Halloween announcement.
74. Ho Ho Ho
Edit a tiny Santa hat onto your ultrasound photo. Caption it “The best gift is arriving late this year” for a festive touch.
75. Naughty Elves
Use your Elf on the Shelf. Pose the elf holding the ultrasound scan or sitting on a baby block to surprise the kids in the morning.
76. Tasty News
Arrange Easter treats. Line up a chocolate bunny for each family member and include a small chocolate egg for the baby on the way.
77. Love-ly News
Leverage Valentine’s Day sentiment. A card saying “Roses are red, violets are blue, in [Month], we’re due” is sweet and memorable.
78. Sharing Good Luck
Post a photo of baby booties surrounded by shamrocks on St. Patrick’s Day. “Our lucky charm is coming soon” is the perfect caption.
79. Lucky Charm
Use a green onesie that says “My First St. Paddy’s.” It works whether you are Irish or just love the holiday.
80. Parenting Resolve
Ring in the New Year with a list of resolutions. Include “Change Diapers” or “Become Parents” on the list.
81. Flat Lay Fun
Use party hats and confetti. Spell out the year on a letter board, but replace one of the numbers with a pacifier.
82. Fill the Nest
Create a decorative bird’s nest with eggs representing the parents. Add one extra speckled egg to signify the new addition for a spring reveal.
83. Spell It Out
Dye Easter eggs with letters on them. Arrange them to spell “Baby” or your due date in the basket.
84. Hang It Up
Hang an extra, tiny stocking on the mantel. It is a subtle Christmas pregnancy announcement that warms the heart.
Geeky Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
85. I Am Your Father
Embrace the Dark Side. A Darth Vader mask, a lightsaber, and a onesie that says “The Force is Strong with This One” is perfect for Star Wars fans.
86. Repopulating
Use action figures or funky typography. A sign saying “Earth Population: +1” appeals to sci-fi and data geeks alike.
87. New Player
Set up your console controllers. Place a tiny controller (or a printed image of one) next to the adult ones with the text “Player 3 Entering the Game.”
88. Caught It
Paint a Pokéball on your belly or hold a plush one. Caption it “A wild baby appeared!” for the ultimate Pokémon master reveal.
89. A Strange New World
Don a Starfleet uniform. Hold a Star Trek onesie and use the phrase “To boldly go where no man has gone before: Parenthood.”
90. D&D and Baby
Create a character sheet for your baby. Fill in stats like “Strength: Growing” and “Charisma: Max,” then toss some dice on the table.
91. Star Wars Siblings
Dress siblings as Jedi. Give them a sign that says “Jedi in Training” pointing to your bump.
92. A New Hero in Town
Marvel or DC fans can use costumes. A tiny cape or mask next to the adult versions signals a new hero is joining the league.
93. T-Shirt Simple
Peg geeky t-shirts on a clothesline. Mix bands, movies, or coding jokes on the adult shirts, and add a mini version for the baby.
94. It’s Magical
Arrange a wand, a scarf, and glasses. A “Marauder’s Map” style announcement saying “Mischief Managed” is a hit with Harry Potter fans.
95. Version 1.3
Speak your language. If you are a programmer, write a snippet of code announcing “Baby v.1.0” is launching soon.
96. Props
Gather items from your favorite fandom. A sonic screwdriver, a ring of power, or a shield placed next to the ultrasound tells the story instantly.
97. Scientific Discovery
Use the periodic table. Spell out words using element symbols (like Ba + By) to announce your little experiment.
98. Who’s This?
Doctor Who fans can use the TARDIS. A sign saying “Bigger on the Inside” placed on your belly is a clever nod to the show.
99. A New Reader
Stack your favorite book series. Place a small stuffed animal or a pacifier on top of the books to show a new reader is joining the club.
100. A New Staff Member
Channel The Office. Wear a “Regional Manager” shirt and buy a “Assistant to the Regional Manager” onesie for the baby.
FAQs
The Happiest News
No matter how, when, or where you choose to make your pregnancy announcement, ensure it reflects who you are. In the years to come, you will want to look back and smile when you remember how you told the world your family was growing.
