When you find out you are pregnant, one of the first issues that arises is when to share the news with family and friends. If you have recently found out you are expecting, you may be looking for the perfect way to tell relatives your news. Will you share the news that you are expecting a baby over the holidays?
Some couples are so excited to be expecting that they tell family and friends right away. Others prefer to wait and keep the news to themselves for a while. For some women, waiting makes sense. If you have experienced a miscarriage in the past you may want to wait until after the first trimester to tell.
This was an issue for my family during the holiday season last year. I had found out I was expecting a baby that was to arrive in July. We were excited and knew our three girls would be excited too. Unfortunately, I have had a few miscarriages, so the first few months really make me nervous. We decided to keep quiet with the kids until after my 12 week visit when we would hear the heartbeat.
This visit was set for December 29, just a few days after Christmas. We decided to tell my brothers and their wives on Christmas Eve while the kids were playing in the next room. We waited until after the doctor’s visit to tell the kids. My brother and his wife had loaned me a home doppler to listen to the baby. I let the kids hear their little brother that day.
If you decide to share your news, the holidays provide the perfect setting. Families are gathered and a special closeness is felt at this time of year. Some couples have wrapped up a pregnancy test for the grandparents. You could also use Christmas stockings for clues. Put baby items, such as a bootie or other small object in the stockings for a cute and creative way to share the news with family.
Whether you make a simple announcement during Christmas dinner or go for a more unique announcement, your news will make the holiday special. If you decide you’d rather wait to share the news, it can be a wonderful secret for you and your partner. You will have fun trying to keep the secret from the rest of the family. Be careful about giving away too many hints, such as refusing wine at dinner and showing your symptoms. If the family knows you are trying, they may be watching for clues!
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