A coworker of mine recently announced she was pregnant via a hilarious PowerPoint presentation — a solid reminder that there are so many creative ways women can broadcast that they're embarking on this life-changing event. Yet what women often don't think about are the mistakes to avoid when announcing a pregnancy — and these blunders are good to know, since they can taint your grand proclamation with bad blood. So be sure to never, ever announce your pregnancy in one of the following five ways.
Mistake #1: You announce "I'm pregnant!" at an event that's important to someone else. It's your sister's wedding or your nephew's high school graduation. And you come along to steal their thunder with "Guess what?!? I'm PREGGERS!!!" "I don't think so," says Alex Packer, family etiquette expert and author of How Rude! "Let them bask in their special day. Wait a bit longer before announcing yours." Or better yet, let people know before, since your wedding day avoidance of alcohol and all the chit chat about "So when are you two having kids?" might force the announcement before you're ready.
Mistake #2: You spill the beans to a gossipy coworker before you tell your boss. "If the boss learns secondhand that your pregnancy time clock has been punched, he or she might feel disrespected," warns Packer."After all, your maternity leave, even if it's six months, three weeks, and two days away, could disrupt the office, spook the clients, or rattle your shift mates. So, unless you can guarantee that your coworkers will keep the news top secret, let the head honcho be the first to hear your baby bells ring."
More from The Stir: 8 Great Ways to Tell the World: 'I'm Pregnant!'
Mistake #3: You announce your pregnancy too soon. "My mom used to say: Do not tell anyone until after the first trimester," says Julia Vergara, certified life coach. "Why did she say that? Because it takes those three months for a baby to show that he/she wants to stay in that belly. It is really sad to lose a baby through miscarriage, but it is worst to have to tell people about it because they knew you were pregnant."
Mistake #4: You announce your pregnancy on Facebook. "Tacky, tacky! Talk about 'DON'T Like,'" says Packer. "Make sure your family and friends hear the news from you before it goes viral. Tell them face to face, or by phone, or, at the very least, via a heartfelt email. Anything else is a recipe for hurt feelings, and you don't want future babysitters-in-law to have their feelings hurt."
More from The Stir: 15 Fabulous Pregnancy Announcement Ideas
Mistake #5: You complain about your pregnancy while breaking the news. Yes, pregnancy comes with aches and pains like nausea, discomfort, and insane worries about your future. "Of course there can be a downside to being pregnant. But keep it to yourself, your loved ones, and your closest friends," says Packer. "Remember that some of those to whom you announce the news may be unable to have children, may have been trying to get pregnant for years, or may not have found someone with whom to get pregnant, and would happily change places with you in a fetal heartbeat."
Did you make a mistake when announcing your pregnancy?
Images © Sollina Images/Blend Images/Corbis and ©iStock.com/MivPiv
