Few pieces of news are as joyful to share as "We're expecting!" Whether you want to surprise your parents, delight your friends, or make a sweet post, a thoughtful pregnancy announcement turns the moment into a memory. This guide covers when to announce, creative ideas for every audience, wording you can borrow, and how to share the news with family digitally before it reaches social media.
When to announce a pregnancy
There's no single right time. Many people wait until after the first trimester, around 12–14 weeks, when the risk of miscarriage decreases. Others share earlier with close family so they have support whatever happens. Some tell their employer later, after learning about their workplace's policies. It's a personal decision, and your healthcare provider can help you think it through.
A common order:
- Partner (of course)
- Parents and siblings
- Close friends
- Extended family
- Work
- Social media
Tip: if you plan a public post, tell close family first so nobody learns the news from their feed.
Creative pregnancy announcement ideas
For parents and grandparents
- A framed ultrasound photo as a gift
- A "Grandma" or "Grandpa" mug
- A video call with a sign that reads "Coming soon"
- A digital announcement they open at the same time as you watch
For friends
- A "bun in the oven" dinner, with a literal bun
- Baby-sized shoes next to your own
- A personalized onesie on display at a get-together
For big siblings
- A "big sister" or "big brother" shirt
- A book about becoming a sibling
For social media
- A photo with your pet wearing a "big brother" bandana
- A family shoe lineup with a tiny pair added
- An ultrasound photo with the due date
- A seasonal theme: pumpkins in fall, ornaments in winter
Pregnancy announcement wording
Simple
We're expecting! Baby Rivera arrives in September 2027.
Sweet
Our little family is growing by two tiny feet. Coming this fall.
Playful
We've got a little bun in the oven! Due date: September 14.
For grandparents
Guess who's going to be a grandma? Our baby is due in September!
Seasonal
Our little pumpkin is coming this fall.
Rainbow baby
After the storm comes a rainbow. We're so grateful to share that our rainbow baby is due this September.
Twins
Double the love! Twins are on the way.
A photo announcement that develops
Our Little Bun pregnancy announcement is a phone-first way to share your news. Your photo (an ultrasound, a bump picture, or tiny shoes) sits inside an instant-photo frame that develops when family and friends tap it. Then "We're expecting!" appears, along with a hanging baby onesie, a rattle, floating hearts, a countdown to your due date, and a music-box arrangement of Brahms' Lullaby (public domain; guests can mute it).
The Signature version is a private link that's perfect for texting to family or posting on social media, with the photo reveal, a due-date countdown, your message, and an English/Spanish switch. Send us your photo after checkout. The Essential version is a matching announcement card with your photo as a print-ready 5×7 PDF and a phone-ready PNG (a still image, without the developing animation, countdown, or music). See pricing.
Sharing digitally with family first
A private link is a lovely middle step between telling people in person and posting publicly:
- Send at a set time so grandparents in different states find out together.
- Video-call while they open it to catch their reactions.
- Ask for discretion if you're not ready for a public announcement: "We're telling family first, please keep it between us for now!"
Choosing a photo
- A clear ultrasound image (scan or photograph it in good light)
- A bump photo with natural light
- Baby shoes, a onesie, or a stuffed toy as a sweet still life
- Send the original file, not a screenshot. For more photo tips, see our photo save the date ideas.
What comes next
After the announcement come the celebrations: a gender reveal if you'd like one (see our gender reveal ideas), a baby shower, and eventually a birth announcement.
Related designs
- Little Secret, a scratch-off gender reveal.
- Hello Little One, a birth announcement.
- Developing Love, a developing-photo save the date.
Browse all pregnancy announcements.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to announce a pregnancy?
Many people wait until after the first trimester, around 12–14 weeks, but it's a personal choice.
Can I use an ultrasound photo?
Yes. Little Bun works with an ultrasound, a bump photo, or a still-life photo like tiny shoes.
Can I post Little Bun on social media?
Yes. The private link can be texted or shared, and the Essential PNG is ready to post.
Can I preview Little Bun?
Yes. Open the Little Bun live demo and tap the photo.
Share your happiest news
Your announcement deserves a moment of magic. View the Little Bun demo and explore the Little Bun design.