That is incredibly personal and there is no right or wrong answer. For some, the news is too big to keep to themselves and they want to shout it from the rooftops. Others wait until after the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage is significantly lower. Then there are some who wait since the pregnancy was a surprise and they need more time to process it before making it more widely known.
(We want to add a note here: miscarriage is fairly common, and it can happen at any time. If you do experience miscarriage, firstly know that it is not your fault. And you should not feel like you have to grieve alone or in silence. Please get the support that you need. Here are some resources that can help.)
The point is, do what you and your partner are most comfortable with, but if you fall into a camp that wants to keep it secret, there are some logistics that you need to consider.
In this article, we'll talk about how to keep your pregnancy on the DL until YOU are ready.
"Oh, I'm not drinking..."
If your normal, social self is holding a cocktail or a glass of wine, it might be a huge flag for your friends or family to see you abstaining. How do you get around that?
Get ahead of the game
If you're meeting somewhere, get there early and let your wait staff in on the plan. Explain that you're pregnant, not telling anyone yet and that the staff should make sure that your drinks are alcohol-free (but still look like everyone else's).
Stretch the truth a little
"I'm the designated driver", "I have to work early", "I'm doing a cleanse" are all legitimate reasons you could not be drinking. Is it the full reason? No, but your friends will excuse the white lie in this case.
Lay low
This is especially true if you're not feeling well, whether it's that first-trimester fatigue or morning sickness. You genuinely aren't feeling well and can say no to any plans, 100% guilt-free.
When Your Clothes Don't Fit
Our bodies are all different, and some women show a lot sooner than others. So how can you disguise the fact that your body suddenly looks different?
Here are three tips:
- Wear loose clothing
- Go for black - it hides everything
- Layer well - there's a reason that actresses have large scarves and handbags when they are pregnant and their character isn't
Who gets the spoilers?
If you already have children, you might be so excited about the prospect of giving them a brother or sister. However, I would recommend that you do not tell them about the new baby until you're ready to let EVERYONE know.
However, it is not a terrible idea to have a trusted friend and confidant. Keeping a secret is HARD so don't feel like it's an all-or-nothing scenario. Tell your bestie, but not your work bestie. Tell your sisters, but not your Instagram followers. This is your news - share it how, when and with whomever you want!
And if you want someone in on this secret with you, we promise we won't tell. Join our community and check out our coveted, made-with-you-in-mind boxes. These boxes are seriously groundbreaking and the only of its kind - while many subscription boxes and maternity brands focus on the bump, ours are the only ones that are focused on you - the woman you are today and the mother that you are becoming. They are packed with goodies to celebrate your pregnancy each step of the way!
