There is no single right time to announce your pregnancy. Many wait until after the first trimester, around week 12, because the risk of miscarriage significantly decreases then. But it is your choice who you share the news with and when. Some tell their closest loved ones immediately because they need to share both the joy and the nervousness. Others keep the secret for a long time. There is no right or wrong – only what feels safe for you.

Why do many wait until after week 12?

The most common reason to wait is that the risk of miscarriage is highest in the first 12 weeks. After the first trimester, the risk significantly decreases, and many find that they can relax more about their pregnancy from then on.

At the same time, the first nuchal translucency scan often takes place around weeks 11-14. For some, waiting until they have had the scan and been told that everything looks as it should provides extra reassurance.

But don't turn the "week 12 rule" into an obligation. It is intended as a protection, not as a rule you must live up to. If you tell people early and something happens, it can be a comfort to have people around you who know and can support you.

Who should you tell first?

Most start with the person they are closest to: a partner, a close friend, or a parent. It can be a great relief to have at least one person to share both anticipation and worry with in the early weeks, when the body is changing and emotions can fluctuate.

It can help to think in terms of circles around you:

• The innermost circle: partner and closest family/friends, from whom you want early support.
• The next circle: family and close friends, whom you typically tell after the first scan or week 12.
• The outermost circle: colleagues, acquaintances, and the wider network, who often come later.

There is no definitive guide. Some prefer to involve their mother from day one, others wait until they have settled with the news themselves. Both are perfectly fine.

When should you tell your workplace?

At work, there is a legal framework worth knowing. According to Danish law, you must inform your employer about the pregnancy no later than three months before the expected birth, i.e., no later than around pregnancy week 28. However, many choose to tell earlier.

There are both practical and personal reasons for telling at a specific time:

• Early (before week 12): makes sense if you have severe nausea, are very tired, or work with something that could pose a risk to the pregnancy – for example, heavy lifting, chemicals, or night shifts.
• Around weeks 12-16: is the most common, when practical arrangements for substitutes and planning need to be made in good time.
• No later than around week 28: if for personal reasons you prefer to wait, but by then the deadline is approaching, and the bump is typically difficult to hide.

If you work in a place where conditions might strain the pregnancy, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor or midwife about what is safe. They can help you assess whether anything needs to be changed and whether it's necessary to involve the employer early.

What if your bump starts to reveal you?

For some, the bump grows early, and this can affect when you want to announce it. In a first pregnancy, the bump often starts to show around weeks 16-20, but it varies greatly from woman to woman. If it's not your first pregnancy, the bump can appear somewhat earlier because muscles and tissue have already been stretched.

While you wait to share the news, your body changes – often the breasts are the first thing you notice growing and becoming tender. What you wear makes a big difference here. A soft, seamless, wire-free nursing bra provides room for the change without constricting. Look for a wire-free nursing bra that adapts to your body's changing shapes.

The metal underwire, in particular, is worth noting during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A hard wire can block milk ducts and strain breast tissue, so it's not a matter of taste but something you should ideally avoid during this period. Carriwell's patented Gel-Support® technology is a soft alternative: it combines the flexibility of soft silicone with a specially developed shape designed not to press on the sides of the breast towards the armpit, where the milk ducts grow. This way, the support follows the body's changing shapes without blocking the milk ducts. It is available, for example, as the Gel-Support® Maternity and Nursing Bra.

Carriwell specialized in seamless design almost three decades ago and was among the first in the world. Seamless is not a trend, but the core of everything. It doesn't just mean the absence of seams, but a feeling of lightness: a bra that molds to the body, moves with you, and almost disappears against the skin. For a body that is constantly changing, this difference can be felt in everyday life. If you want to see the selection, you can find it in the collection of bras for pregnant women.

How to share the news in a good way?

There is no wrong way to share the news. Some choose a quiet moment with their partner, others create a little surprise for the grandparents. The most important thing is that it feels right for you.

Some practical tips that can make the conversation easier:

1. Decide beforehand what you want to share and what you want to keep to yourself – for example, the due date or details from the scan.
2. Choose a calm time, especially when telling close family and friends.
3. Be prepared that reactions may be mixed, and that's okay.
4. Feel free to state how they can best support you if you need something specific.

Remember, you don't owe anyone an explanation for your timing choice. If you choose to wait, that's perfectly legitimate. If you choose to tell early, that's equally valid.

What if you're unsure when to say it?

Doubt is completely normal. Many change their minds several times along the way, and it's part of finding your footing in a new life situation. Try to feel what brings you peace: Do you need support now, or do you need time for yourself first?

If you experience symptoms you are uneasy about, or are concerned about your pregnancy, don't wait for a specific time – contact your doctor or midwife. They are there for you, no matter how far along you are, and no matter who else you have told.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to announce the pregnancy before week 12?

No. Announcing it early does not affect the pregnancy. The reason many wait is solely that the risk of miscarriage is highest in the first 12 weeks – not that sharing the news would cause any harm.

When is the latest I should tell my workplace?

According to Danish law, you must inform your employer at least three months before the expected birth, i.e., around pregnancy week 28. However, many choose to tell earlier, especially if the work requires adjustments.

Should I wait until after the nuchal translucency scan?

It's entirely up to you. Some find extra reassurance by waiting until the scan around weeks 11-14 has shown that everything looks as it should. Others tell earlier – both are perfectly fine.

What if my bump reveals me early?

If your bump grows early, you can choose soft, flexible clothing that doesn't emphasize the change if you want to wait a little longer. Soft maternity wear provides room for the bump without constricting. But it's your decision – there's no obligation to hide anything.

Dear, no matter when and how you choose to announce it, there is no right or wrong in your decision. Listen to yourself, give yourself the time you need, and reach out if you need to. You are not alone.