Once you find out you are pregnant, it can be the most exciting time of your life. Whether it is your first baby or your third, telling everyone about your news is always the first thing you think about. This guide will show you how to announce a pregnancy.

1. Do not be apologetic if people are not happy with your announcement. It is an exciting time for you.

2. If you hold off on announcing your pregnancy, keep in mind that your symptoms (vomiting, fatigue) may spill the beans!

3. Be aware of those who may be sensitive to the announcement (ie. a friend or family member just had a miscarriage).

4. Do not let the most important people in your life find out through the grapevine.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

Congratulations! You are expecting a bundle (or bundles!) of joy. You are full of emotions, including being anxious to tell the world about your wonderful news. There are many different things to consider before you announce a pregnancy. The right time, who to tell and how to announce it are all essential elements to consider when it comes time to reveal that you are expecting.

As soon as you receive a positive pregnancy test, you may be eager to tell someone (whether you were expecting or not). There is no right or wrong time to let everyone know you are pregnant, however there is one key factor that should be considered - are you ready to announce it?

While many might easily pick up the phone and tell everyone they know, others can be a little hesistant. Since most miscarriages happen during the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy), it is common for many women or couples to want to wait until the second trimester to share the news. http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/miscarriage/DS01105/METHOD=print&DSECTION=all

There may be advantages and disadvantages to the timing of your announcement. If you announce your pregnancy as soon as you find out, you will get tons of support. However, with tons of supports comes tons of advice, which can be overwhelming. If you wait to tell, you and your partner can have time to soak up the moment, however, having extra support can be beneficial.

The expecting parents should always be the first to know about the pregnancy. So once you find out you have a positive pregnancy test, it is necessary to tell your husband or partner.

Family and close friends should be the next group of people to share the news to. If you are waiting to announce your pregnancy but still want to share with someone, consider those who are willing to keep the secret until you are ready.

If you are currently working, it may be a good idea to let your boss know as well that you are pregnant and ensure that they do not tell anyone if you are not ready to announce it to co-workers. This may be beneficial for when you have appointments or if pregnancy symptoms may hinder you from working to the best of your ability.

After your family and close friends are well aware of the pregnancy, the sky is the limit as to whom you tell, as long as you feel comfortable doing so.

The time has come to make your announcement! How should you do it? More and more these days, people are coming up with fun ways to tell their spouse, partner, family and friends. You can still keep it simple by easily coming out and saying it or you could find creative ways to make an announcement. Here are some ideas:

For a spouse/partner:

Save the positive pregnancy test and wrap it up as a gift.

Make dinner with baby carrots, baby peas, etc.

Place a bun in the oven along with the pregnancy test and ask your husband/partner to check on the dinner.

Remove all of the socks/underwear from his drawer and replace them with baby socks and diapers.

If you receive an ultrasound before you tell your spouse, have the ultrasound technician make a DVD and have a "movie night" with your husband.

If you have an older child, make them a shirt that says "Big Brother" or "Big Sister". (This could work for anyone, though).

Hang a "Baby on Board" sign on your husband's car.

Put baby shampoo in the shower instead of your regular shampoo.

Leave little hints around the house. A pacifier, a baby bottle, a bib, a diaper....

Order pizza and have them write "Daddy" with the toppings.

Buy baby booties and wrap them up as a gift.

Create a mini-scrapbook highlighting your life together so far as a couple, with the last page being a picture of the positive pregnancy test and the baby's due date.

For future grandparents:

If you had an early ultrasound, make copies of the ultrasound picture and put them in frames that say "#1 Grandma" or "I Love Grandpa".

Send them bibs that say "I love grandma" or "I love grandpa".

Other creative ideas:

Buy a small, large pieced puzzle. Purchase white craft paint and paint over the puzzle to hide any pictures already on it. Once it dries, write in pink or blue a poem or saying announcing your pregnancy. Break up the puzzle and put it in a small gift box. You could either hand the gifts to friends and family, or leave them on their door step.

Have family come over for a new family photo. When the camera is about to go off, announce that you are pregnant. The expression on everyone's face will be a great keepsake!

Take a video camera and go over to the person's house you plan on sharing the news to. Tell them you are testing the camera out and while you have the camera recording, announce your pregnancy.

Take friends and family to a restaurant and have the waiter put a little note inside the menu about "Today's Specials". The note could say "The special for this evening is a beautiful baby boy or girl."