When to Tell

     Now that you’re pregnant, when’s the best time to start spreading the news? It’s probably a given that your husband will be the first to know. Beyond that, you’ll likely want to tell your parents, siblings, friends and coworkers – and possibly total strangers.

     There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding when to tell everyone you’re pregnant. Waiting until the end of the first trimester lets you get past a major milestone: The chance of miscarriage decreases after 12 weeks. Others decide to tell earlier, eager to share the excitement.

     Most experts agree that it’s best to tell your boss after the first trimester, unless you have pregnancy complications that interfere with work or you have a physically strenuous job. It’s also a must to tell your boss before telling other coworkers – you don’t want the grapevine to share the news before you have.

Bake a dozen cupcakes, then ice half with blue frosting and the other six with pink. Use icing to mark a big plus sign on top of each.

Invite everyone over for Chinese food. Before the guests arrive, replace the paper slip inside the fortune cookies with one of your own, announcing your big news.

Create a scavenger hunt around the house. The last item to find is a basket or bag filled with baby basics.

Take advantage of holiday gift-giving by picking a baby-themed item to share with someone special: a baby stocking for grandparents-to-be at Christmas.

If your family is expanding from three to four, consider enlisting your child’s help. Buy or make a T-shirt with the phrase “I’m going to be a big brother” or “I’m going to be a big sister.” Let your son or daughter wear it to the next family gathering (and take bets with your spouse on who will be the first to notice).

Everyone knows there’s a surprise inside every box of Cracker Jacks. Personalize it by cutting open the box and replacing the prize with a baby item like a pacifier, teething toy or rattle. Reseal it and wait for it to be discovered.

Surprise your husband by filling his car with pink and blue balloons.
 

Use pink and blue yarn to lay a path starting at the front door and wandering all through the house. End the yarn at the positive pregnancy test.

Host a movie night at your house and rent movies that share a baby theme: Junior, Nine Months, Father of the Bride II, Look Who’s Talking, She’s Having a Baby.

Borrow a page from your wedding planner and send a “Save the Date” card with your baby’s due date. If you had an ultrasound early in your pregnancy, consider including baby’s first photo with the card.