Expecting? Cute Ideas to Announce Pregnancy

When I found out I was pregnant with my first baby, I spent hours (okay, maybe days) scrolling through Pinterest boards and saved Instagram posts trying to find a unique pregnancy announcement idea. With baby number two, I still wanted a cute idea to announce pregnancy. Something that was meaningful for our new addition, but also keeping in mind that I had a toddler tugging at my leg and zero time for a full-blown production. So I got creative in simple, sweet ways that made sense for our real life.

If you just found out you’re pregnant with your first or your fourth, announcing it is one of those rare, joy-filled moments you get to remember forever. And yes, it’s totally okay to do this however you’d like. Make it fun, a little extra, or quietly special. 

In this post, I’m sharing cute, creative pregnancy announcement ideas that work for telling your partner, your parents, your best friends, or the entire internet.

Planning your pregnancy announcement

That in-between window, when you know you're pregnant but haven’t shared the news yet, can feel both magical and a little nerve-wracking for so many reasons. And the excitement of telling your people is real. Planning a clever pregnancy reveal can help you soak in the joy, involve your partner in a meaningful way, and set the tone for how you want to share your news. Here's how to make it feel personal and just right for you.

How to involve your partner in the announcement

If you have a partner going through this journey with you, it's really fun to involve them in sharing the news. So much of pregnancy naturally centers around the mom, but inviting your partner into this part of the process can help them feel more connected and rooted in the experience. (And if you're looking for creative ways to tell them the news first, don't worry, that’s covered further down.)

Here are some simple, thoughtful ways to make the announcement a team effort:

• Narrow it down together – If you’re someone who likes a bit of control (especially when so much else feels out of your hands), shortlist a few announcement ideas you love and let your partner pick their favorite.
• Make it a date – Once you’ve picked a concept, head out together to shop for props or supplies. Turn it into a coffee date or quick lunch or even meet at the craft store for supplies, something small that makes it feel celebratory.
• Divide and conquer – Maybe you write the caption and they handle the photo setup. Or they handle coordinating a time and place for loved ones to meet up and you get the dinner party menu covered. 
• Tag-team creativity – Brainstorm together and see what reflects both your styles. Maybe you lean cute, they lean clever and the combo turns into something very special. 

What is the best time to announce your pregnancy?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, and truly, no “right” time. I know moms who waited until after their first ultrasound or first trimester, others who shared the news right away with close family, and some who timed their announcement around a holiday to build in a sweet, seasonal theme.

The best time to announce is simply when it feels right for you.

Tips for capturing the perfect announcement photo

Don’t overthink it, but definitely make sure it’s captured! These are the kinds of moments you’ll look back on with a full heart. Here are a ways to get creative pregnancy announcement photos that are still simple (and will help you get a photo you’ll love):

• Ask someone to snap a few photos – A close friend or family member can help keep things casual and candid.
• Use your phone’s self-timer or video mode – Capture the whole moment, then pull stills from it later.
• Coordinate outfits for creative pregnancy announcement photos– A nice idea especially if you’ve got other little ones. Neutral tones or soft colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on the moment. 
• Think about the setting – Can’t go wrong with natural light and a clean background.
• Bring a prop or two – A tiny pair of shoes, your ultrasound photo, or a message board can add a sweet touch without overcomplicating things.
• Take a few extras – Snap more than you think you’ll need. You might catch a laugh or glance that becomes your favorite.

Pregnancy announcement ideas to tell your partner

You've got that positive pregnancy test in hand and now you're ready to share this big announcement with your partner. It's a lot! Telling your partner you’re pregnant can be one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments of the entire journey. And finding a sweet or clever way to share the news makes it all the more special. Here are a few low-effort, meaningful ideas that still speak volumes (plus even more for you here).

Framed ultrasound

Place the ultrasound photo in a sleek photo frame and include your own sweet message in a handwritten note or simple card. Something like “Baby arriving [month/year]” will work if you’re having trouble finding the right words. 

Coffee cup reveal 

Swap their usual mug with one that says something like “Dad” or “Promoted to Dad” and let them discover it during your regular morning routine.

Simple onesie 

Tuck a minimalist onesie with a message like “Hi, Dad!” or “Baby [Last Name]” into their dresser drawer or leave it on their pillow for a sweet surprise.

Cute pregnancy announcements to family

Telling your parents, in-laws, and aunts and uncles to be that you're expecting is one of those moments that sticks with you. There’s something really tender about watching them take in the news. It doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. A little creativity goes a long way in making it feel like a shared celebration.

Surprise family dinner 

A family dinner can be the perfect low-pressure setting to share big news. You can keep it simple or add a small twist to make it extra fun.

A few ideas to consider: 

• Create a custom item like a “Baby arriving ___” wine label or fortune cookie
• Go out to dinner to a favorite restaurant and share the news when everyone’s seated
• Host at home and set “Grandma”, “Grandpa”, “Aunt”, “Uncle” place cards at the table
• Add a tiny onesie or ultrasound photo as part of the table decor
• Toast to “new beginnings” and let them guess what’s really being celebrated

Custom keepsakes (mugs, frames)

Buy a simple keepsake they can hold onto. Here are some thoughtful ideas that any grandparent would be sure to love:

• “Grandma”, “Grandpa”, “Aunt”, “Uncle” mug or sweatshirt
• A photo frame with a picture of you and your partner holding the ultrasound
• Keychain that says “Grandma est. [year]” (same for Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle)
• Custom puzzle that reveals “We’re having a baby!” as they piece it together
• Handwritten note in a keepsake box with the test or a baby item tucked inside

“Coming soon” movie night

Invite them over for a casual movie night and turn it into a surprise reveal. You can add a “Coming Soon: Baby [Last Name]” or “Coming [Month Year]” sign across the TV, print custom popcorn containers, or sneak the message into the previews if you're tech-savvy. 

Be sure to get a picture of your family celebrating the exciting news if you can! Even if it's a fun selfie with all of you squeezed in it.

Fun ways to announce pregnancy with friends

Sharing with your besties hits in a certain way. The squeals, the hugs, the happy tears. These are your people, and finding a fun way to let them in on your news makes it all the more real (and way more fun). Here are a few fun ways to announce pregnancy that feel festive without needing a ton of prep with your closest friends.

Baby-themed lunch or dinner 

This one is so fun, IMO. Plan a cute spread with on-theme bites like mini cupcakes, baby carrots, sliders, and tiny cheese cubes, basically anything snack-sized. 

See if anyone catches on, or just let the food be a fun lead-in to your news. You can casually drop the announcement mid-graze or go bold with a banner, custom wine labels, or a message board that says “Baby [Last Name] arriving soon.”

Plan a brunch, lunch or dinner out with a photo 

This one’s perfect if you and your friends have a go-to spot or regular catch-up dinner. Send a group chat to set a date and plan the outing as usual, but suggest a group photo, and take the lead. Instead of “say cheese,” count down and say, “On three, say ‘[Your Name]’s pregnant!’” Their reactions will be priceless and you’ll have the photo and memory to keep forever.

Custom cupcakes 

Pick up or bake some custom cupcakes for your next get together, think baby-themed toppers or a message spelled out across the treats. It’s an easy, low-lift way to share your news that still feels thoughtful and fun.

Sibling pregnancy announcement ideas

If you’ve got older kids, telling them they’re going to be a big sibling is one of those heart-melting mom moments. It’s wild and sweet all at once. And looping them in to help share the news with family or friends? Even better. It makes them feel important, and is honestly just really fun. Let’s cover both: how to tell your child, and how to make them part of the big reveal.

And if you’ve got a fur baby in the mix, some of these ideas can work for your family pets too! It’s a sweet way to involve them in the excitement of welcoming a new baby.

Big sibling surprise 

Great for kiddos who are a little older and can soak in the moment. Wrap up a gift just for them, like a shirt that says “Big Brother” or “Big Sister”, and capture their reaction as they put the pieces together. It’s such a special memory to look back on.

Sign reveal 

This one’s cute even for little kiddos who might not totally grasp what’s happening yet. Have them hold a sign that says something like “Promoted to Big Brother” or “Big Sister Status: Loading” and snap a photo. It doesn’t have to fully sink in for them, but it will for you. 

You can also take a photo of your pet next to a sign or message board and share the photo!

Storybook reveal 

Curl up for storytime with a book like You’re Going to Be a Big Brother/Sister and let the surprise unfold as they realize what it means. It’s such a gentle, meaningful way to share the news and it’s a great book to keep in rotation as you help them prepare for their new role.

Let their shirt do the talking 

Dress them in a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister” shirt before heading to a family dinner or friend hangout and see how long it takes for someone to notice.

A bandana for your pet would be really cute too!

Photo helper

Have them hold the ultrasound photo or a message board with your announcement during a photo session. Their proud little face makes it extra special and it's a cute way to involve them in sharing the news.

Hand-deliver the surprise 

Give them a card, gift bag, or tiny wrapped box to hand to a grandparent or close friend that says “We’re having a baby!” Letting them be the messenger adds a sweet layer to the reveal.

Creative pregnancy announcement ideas for the holidays

If your timing lines up with a holiday, lean into it. A seasonal twist adds some fun and can make it easier to come up with a plan. Here are a few ideas to help you share the news in a way that fits right into the celebration.

Halloween 

• Carve a pumpkin — you can do something like the number of months until your due date or the due date
• Cut out a rectangle and place your ultrasound photo inside the pumpkin
• Set a message board next to an uncarved pumpkin with “Baby [Last Name] arriving soon”
• Dress up in a themed costume, think “Bun in the oven” or skeleton shirts with a baby skeleton
• Hand out treats to family and friends with tags that say “Coming soon… not just candy!”

Thanksgiving

Add custom place cards that say “Grandma-to-be” or “Auntie-to-be” at each setting, or go around the table sharing what you're thankful for and end with, “We're thankful for our growing family.” All sure to spark some happy tears.

Christmas 

• Take a family photo with a tiny stocking hanging for baby
• Use a message board that says “Santa’s bringing us a little one this year”
• Hand out ornaments that say “Baby on the way” or include your due date
• Wrap a tiny pair of baby shoes or a onesie and place it under the tree
• Send out holiday cards to close family and friends with a photo announcement 
• Hang a custom sign on your tree like “All I want for Christmas is… you” with baby details below

Valentine’s Day 

Post a heart-shaped ultrasound photo with a caption like “Our little love is on the way!” or surprise family and friends with custom candy, think pink or blue M&Ms or conversation hearts that say “Baby coming”. It's a fun way to tie your announcement into all the love already in the air.

Easter 

Fill plastic eggs with “baby” confetti, tiny notes, or blue and pink candies for a cute gender reveal. You can even set up a mini egg scavenger hunt with one special egg that shares the big news.

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However you decide to share your pregnancy news, focusing on something low-key at home or an idea with a little more flair, just know whatever you plan will be special. And what matters most is that it feels like you. Soak in the moment, snap a few photos, and celebrate this new beginning in whatever way brings you joy.

And while many of these shares feel exciting, one of the more overwhelming ones (at least in my experience) is telling your boss you're pregnant. I put together my best tips and what helped me approach that conversation with confidence. You can read it here.

Once the word is out? Even more fun begins. I’ve got you covered with helpful resources for what’s next. Check out my ultimate baby registry checklist, a guide to the best baby registry sites, and this preparing for baby checklist to help you get organized without the overwhelm. 

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