Maybe you've just discovered those two pink lines, or maybe you've been counting down to the perfect moment to share your baby news. Either way, there's nothing quite like the excitement of finally revealing that you're expecting!

Whether you're planning to surprise your family, announce on social media, or tell your friends in person, the way you reveal your big news can be just as memorable as the moment you found out yourself. From sweet and simple to elaborate and entertaining, there are countless ways to share. The key to a great baby announcement? Making it personal and authentic to you. Some couples love grand gestures and creative photo shoots, while others prefer intimate moments with close family. Whatever your style, we’ve got you covered with ideas that will make your announcement unforgettable.

Options for any family

• ‍Ultrasound reveal photo: Include an ultrasound image next to baby shoes, a positive pregnancy test, or a "Hello World" onesie. The combination of that tiny sonogram with the baby items instantly signals baby-on-the-way. It's a classic for a reason!‍
• Bump-focused image: Share a photo showcasing your growing bump. You can add text like "coming soon" or include your due date. This style works beautifully for social media and can be easily customized with your favorite fonts and colors.‍
• Bun in the oven photo: The classic "bun in the oven" announcement involves literally putting a bun or bread roll in your oven and photographing it. You can also create a photo with you pointing to your oven with the door open revealing the bun inside. It's cheesy in the best way possible!‍
• Professional photo shoot: Work with a photographer who specializes in maternity and family photography to create stunning announcement images. Whether in a studio or at a location that's meaningful for your family, you can work together to create a specific theme—rustic, modern, vintage, or bohemian.‍
• Letter board and sign announcements: Letter boards have become incredibly popular for announcements because they're versatile, reusable, and photograph beautifully. You can keep it simple with "Hello Baby" text, go for a countdown style like "Coming This Fall: Our Greatest Adventure Yet," or feature funny messages that reflect your personality. The best part? You can continue updating your letterboard throughout your pregnancy and beyond.‍
• Surprise box ideas: Create boxes for soon-to-be grandparents or friends filled with fun items like "I Love Grandma" t-shirts or onesies with sayings like "Grandpa's Favorite" or "Auntie's Bestie." Or, go with a themed approach like a "Coming Soon" box with movie tickets, popcorn, and a few baby items. Throw in some sparkling cider so everyone can celebrate together! Pro tip: You can find beautiful letter boards at Target, Amazon, or local home goods stores. Many come with extensive letter sets that allow for creative messaging throughout your pregnancy.

If you love throwing a party

• ‍Baby-themed treats: Bake cookies shaped like baby items, create a cake with a surprise inside that reveals pink or blue, or make cocktails for everyone except yourself (yours being a mocktail labeled "Baby on Board"). Share the treats at your next get-together and enjoy your guests' reactions.‍
• Restaurant announcements: If you love dining out, arrange with your server to bring an extra kids' menu or highchair to your table as a surprise for your dining companions. Just make sure to tip well—your server is part of the magic!

If you're social media savvy

• ‍Reaction videos: Record family members' reactions as they discover your news. Whether it's opening a gift box with baby items inside or reading a letter announcing your pregnancy, genuine reactions create incredibly moving moments that you'll treasure forever – just make sure your family is okay with you posting their reaction.‍
• Day-in-the-life style: Create a video showing your normal morning routine, but include subtle hints like taking prenatal vitamins or reading pregnancy books, building up to the big reveal.‍
• Time-lapse announcements: Show yourself setting up baby items, arranging an announcement photo, or even a time-lapse of your partner's reaction to the news.‍
• Interactive announcements: Use Instagram features like polls ("Boy or Girl?"), countdowns to your due date, or the question sticker to engage your followers in your announcement. You can also develop a unique hashtag for sharing your pregnancy journey.

Note: Remember to consider your privacy settings and who you want to see your announcement. You might want to tell close family and friends in person before sharing on social media.

If you love holidays

• ‍Christmas announcements: Hang a tiny stocking with the rest of the family's stockings, or create an ornament that says "Baby's First Christmas" with your due date. For Christmas card announcements, consider photos of wrapped presents with one extra small gift labeled "Coming [due date]."‍
• Halloween announcements: Carve pumpkins for each family member, including a tiny one for baby. Or create a costume theme in which you dress as a family of three (or more) even though baby isn't here yet.‍
• Easter announcements: Fill a basket with baby items mixed in with traditional Easter treats for a sweet reveal that's perfect for the season.‍
• New Year announcements: "New Year, New Baby" themes work well for this time of year and capture that fresh start feeling.

If you're an experienced parent

• ‍Sibling-oriented reveals: Dress your little one(s) in a shirt announcing their new role or have them hold a sign. Popular slogans include "Big Brother Loading," "Only Child Expiring [Date]," or "Promoted to Big Sister." You could even stage a photo with your child reading a baby book or holding a baby doll for a more subtle approach.

If you're a pet parent

• ‍Pet-inclusive options: Similar to sibling shirts and signs, you can find pet bandanas or signs that announce your pet's upcoming role as a big brother or sister. As any pet parent knows, our fur babies are family too!

Tips for perfect baby announcements

• Timing is everything: Consider when you want to share your news. Many couples wait until after the first trimester, but the choice is entirely personal. Think about upcoming holidays, family gatherings, or special dates that might make your announcement even more meaningful.‍
• Keep it authentic to you: The best announcements reflect your personality as a couple. If you're naturally funny, go for humor. If you're more sentimental, choose something sweet and emotional. Don't feel pressured to follow trends that don't feel like "you."‍
• Plan for different audiences: You might want different announcements for different groups. A silly video might be perfect for friends, while a more traditional photo might be better for extended family or professional contacts.‍
• Have a backup plan: If you're planning something elaborate, have a simpler backup option ready. Weather, timing, or other factors might interfere with your original plan. Trust us on this one!‍
• Document the process: Don't forget to capture behind-the-scenes moments and reactions. These often become just as precious as the announcement itself.

Final thoughts

Your baby announcement is the first way you'll introduce your little one to the world, and there's no wrong way to do it. Whether you choose a simple photo, an elaborate video, or something completely unique, what matters most is that it feels right for your family. Remember that this announcement marks the beginning of an incredible journey. Years from now, you'll look back at these photos and videos with your child, sharing the story of how excited everyone was to meet them. Choose an announcement style that you'll be proud to show them and that captures the joy and anticipation of this special time.

The most important thing? Enjoy this moment. You're about to embark on one of life's greatest adventures, and sharing that excitement with the people you love is what makes these announcements truly special.

For more inspiration and templates, check out Canva's pregnancy announcement designs or browse Pinterest's pregnancy announcement boards for endless creative ideas. You can also use services like Minted or Paperless Post to share the news with friends and family.