"That's It, I'm Pregnancy Announcement Shaming": 30 Cringy And Embarrassing Ways Parents Announced They’re Expecting (New Pics)

Some genetic screening is back

Between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, most women receive a blood test and/or an ultrasound that, together, look for markers that could indicate an extra or missing chromosome, such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. “Getting the results can be reassuring; parents-to-be have more info that can encourage them to share their news,” Brofman added.

Morning sickness and exhaustion may reduce

Most women generally start to feel less sick right about this time too. So they might be excited to share the news because they’re no longer bogged down with nausea or feeling cruddy.

There are, however, reasons why couples may want to wait even longer.

Feeling ambivalence

Whether your pregnancy was planned or not, many women are unsure of their feelings about becoming a parent. "When you’re aware that others will react with excitement and they’ll expect the same from you, it can be easier to avoid that pressure rather than pretend or force an emotion that you don’t have," Long said. Additionally, a pregnancy announcement often puts the spotlight squarely on the mom-to-be. If you’re attention-shy, you may simply want to savor your privacy for as long as you can.

The anatomy scan

Between weeks 18 and 20, women get their anatomy scan (also known as a level two ultrasound), at which they can learn their baby's sex (if they desire to). At the same time, a clinician checks to see if the baby's size and position are on target and if the baby’s brain, heart, lungs, and other organs are developing as expected. "For those who have a very real concern about genetic disorders, they may not share their news until this scan offers some reassurance," Long noted.

For the majority of first-time mothers, the tell-tale baby bump usually "sticks out" at about 14 to 16 weeks of pregnancy, making it harder not to share (without some very strategic wardrobe decisions).

In the end, there is no single right time to announce your pregnancy. In fact, the mere idea that there is a ‘right’ time can cause distress and create worries.”

Just go with your gut. Unless it tells you to make a pee stick popsicle.