Deciding when to announce a pregnancy is a deeply personal choice, and one that many expectant parents spend weeks thinking about. Some share the news almost immediately, while others wait until they feel more confident that everything is progressing well.
So when do most parents in the UK announce their pregnancy, and why has this timing become so common? In this guide, we’ll look at typical UK announcement timings, what influences them, and why there’s no single “right” moment.
When do most parents announce their pregnancy in the UK?
In the UK, many parents choose to announce their pregnancy somewhere around 12 to 14 weeks. This period often feels like a natural milestone: it’s typically the end of the first trimester, and it commonly lines up with early antenatal appointments and scans.
By this point, lots of parents have had their first scan, have a clearer idea of their estimated due date, and feel more comfortable sharing the news more widely.
Why the 12-week mark is such a popular time to share
There are a few reasons the end of the first trimester has become a common “announcement moment” for many families.
1) Reassurance from early pregnancy care
Many parents like to wait until they’ve had a scan or midwife appointment before sharing the news broadly. In England, you’re offered an ultrasound scan (often called the dating or 12-week scan) at around 11 to 14 weeks. This helps confirm how far along you are and provides an estimated due date. You can read more in the NHS guidance here:
NHS guidance on ultrasound scans in pregnancy
2) Privacy during the first trimester
For some people, the first trimester can feel physically and emotionally intense. Nausea, fatigue, and the uncertainty of early pregnancy can make it feel easier to keep things private until they feel more settled.
That said, many parents also choose to share earlier so they can receive support if symptoms are tough or if they’re feeling anxious. Both approaches are completely valid.
Why some parents announce earlier
Not everyone waits until 12 weeks. Some parents tell a small circle of people as soon as they find out, and some share publicly early on too.
Common reasons for announcing earlier include:
- Wanting emotional support from family or close friends
- Previous fertility challenges where sharing feels meaningful
- Strong early symptoms that make hiding pregnancy difficult
- A desire for openness (especially as conversations around early pregnancy and miscarriage have become more visible)
For many parents, it’s not a case of “announcing” or “not announcing” — it’s more like a gradual process: telling one or two trusted people first, then widening the circle later.
Why some parents wait longer
Some parents don’t feel ready to share at 12 weeks and choose to wait until later in pregnancy — sometimes after the 20-week scan, or simply when they feel emotionally ready.
Reasons for waiting longer can include:
- Past pregnancy loss or complicated pregnancy experiences
- High-risk pregnancy or additional monitoring
- Personal or cultural preference for privacy
- Workplace considerations (for example, waiting until plans feel more certain)
Waiting longer doesn’t mean someone is less excited — it often just means they’re protecting their emotional wellbeing.
Who do parents usually tell first?
For many families, the “announcement” happens in stages. A common pattern looks like this:
- Partner (if they don’t already know)
- Immediate family
- Best friends
- Employer (especially if adjustments are needed)
- Wider social circle or social media
It’s also very normal to tell different people at different times — for example, telling your workplace earlier for practical reasons, while keeping things private socially until later.
How pregnancy announcements have changed over time
Pregnancy announcements today can look quite different compared to previous generations. Social media has made sharing easier (and sometimes more expected), but it has also encouraged many parents to be more intentional about boundaries.
At the same time, there’s greater awareness around the emotional complexity of early pregnancy. Many parents now choose a middle ground: telling a small support circle early, while waiting until later for a wider announcement.
Does the timing of an announcement affect anything medically?
From a medical perspective, the timing of a public announcement doesn’t change pregnancy outcomes. What matters most is accessing antenatal care early and following health guidance.
Even if you’re not ready to tell anyone socially, it’s still a good idea to contact your GP or midwife as soon as you know you’re pregnant so you can begin your antenatal care pathway.
Final thoughts: there’s no “right” week
While many parents in the UK share their news around 12 to 14 weeks, it’s a trend — not a rule. Some announce earlier, some later, and some only with a small circle of trusted people.
If you’re deciding when to announce, it can help to ask: What would make me feel most supported? The best time is the time that feels right for you.
If you enjoy pregnancy and baby-related UK trends, you might also like this post:
Most common birthdays in the UK
Alongside gifts for baby, our new mum gifts are perfect for helping her feel cared for in those early weeks.