site-logo Link to the main page
  • Getting Pregnant
    • Preparing for Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy
    • Week-by-Week
    • Relationships and Personal Life
    • Your Body
  • Toddler
    • Feeding
    • Postpartum Care
    • Medical Cosmetology
    • Baby Songs
  • Baby Products
    • Trampolines
    • High Chairs
    • Bras
    • Potty Training
    • Baby Walkers & Push Toys
  • News
  • Baby Names
  • Due Date Calculator

Trending Searches

  1. nursing bra
  2. Pregnancy weeks
  3. week 34
  4. week 6
  1. Home / Pregnancy / Relationships and Personal Life / How to Tell Your Parents That You Are Pregnant

How to Tell Your Parents That You Are Pregnant

Logo Mamas Are Cool
byMaC Editorial Team Updated: May 17, 2021

Telling your parents about your baby-to-be can be a source of joy or stress depending on where you are in your life. Here are ideas for telling them in either case.

Sad girl
Photo by Vince Fleming on Unsplash

In This Article

    Waiting to Be Grandparents

    Pregnancy is a very sentimental topic, and while your parents will be thrilled to find out that they are going to be grandparents, it is still very important to validate their feelings and understand they might be shocked and maybe surprised. Here are a couple ways of breaking the news in good ways.

    • Send them a card or present, by example a shirt or mug that says “World’s Greatest Grandparent”. Other hints, like hiding or gifting some baby clothes or toys.
    • Take your mom shopping with you and visit baby stores
    • Give them a picture frame decorated for a baby picture with a drawing of a baby or a note “To be filled in 6 months” to get them thinking about it and preparing.
    • If you are close to a holiday dinner, make the announcement during a game (such as charades) or during a group picture. Another idea for a holiday or gathering, is to have everyone say the your due date, instead of cheese during a family picture – then tell them what the date means afterwards.
    • A nice and simple idea would to send them a singing telegram or video/audio message of you guys telling them the news.

    Coming Around

    If you are in a position where your parents are not going to be happy about the event of your pregnancy, telling them can be harder. But it is still just as important to let them know.

    The way you tell them will depend a lot on the relationship you already have with them as well.

    Some women find it easier to tell one parent at a time, or even have the one parent break the news to the other. Here are some other options on how to break the news:

    • Tell a trusted family friend or relative first, and have that person for support when telling your parents.
    • Tell your parents with your family doctor present. This would require you to set up an appointment and get your parents to come along.
    • Depending on how your parents react to the news at first, follow up with a writing in a note, and then talking to them soon after.

    They may not have the positive, happy reaction you want at first. But for some you have to give your parents time to get used to the idea, and for them to think about it.

    Remember that it was probably a shock for you at first too! But now you’ve had some time to get used to the idea, and have also probably done some pretty heavy thinking. So now it’s time to let your parents do the same.

    Their reactions may differ over time as they get used to the idea. Eventually many parents come to accept the situation. Sometimes it takes longer than other times; it may even be after the baby is born. But all scenarios are acceptable, and it should still be a priority for you and your spouse to tell both of your parents, and not keep it a secret.

    This is a time you need support, but if you muster patience, kindness, and understanding toward your parents who may be unhappy with your pregnancy, they very often come around.

    Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

    When should you tell your Parents that you are Pregnant?

    Many parents-to-be wait until the end of the first trimester — around week 13 — to tell friends and family about their pregnancy. However, some do it earlier or later. Every situation is very unique and individual.

    Is 6 weeks of Pregnancy too early to tell my Parents?

    There are no rules to when you announce your pregnancy. Some women wait until they're 20 weeks, others can't wait to tell them the second they find out! Social norms can change and adapt, so if you want to unroll a banner on the bridge or put an announcement in the paper, it's up to you.


    Logo Mamas Are Cool
    MaC Editorial Team

    The MaC Editorial Team works hard to review and create articles and posts for Mamas are Cool, discussing topics about your pregnancy, your body and physical and emotional health. With our experienced writers, constantly writing and researching, the texts created are thoroughly studied and accurate after being reviewed by the Medical Team.


    The following writing is designed to reflect the experiences of some contributors, and does not fundamentally reflect the views of Mamas are Cools. This content is not aimed to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
    Our content is reader-supported, which means that if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

    View Sources
    • “When is the Best Time to Announce your Pregnancy” on healthline.com
    • “4 Reasons Not To Wait Until 12 Weeks To Announce Pregnancy” on bellybelly.com.au

    Trending on Mamas are Cool

    does-sunscreen-prevent-tanning
    Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning?

    While sunscreen blocks most of the ultraviolet or UV rays that reach your skin, some...

    Stressed couple having cramping after sex problems.
    Cramps After Sex: What Causes Them and What to Do

    Causes of Cramping After Sex There are numerous reasons why cramping may occur after sex....

    woman covering man’s face photo
    How to Tell Boyfriend or Husband that You Are Pregnant

    Breaking the Unexpected News You may be feeling many emotions toward him. You may be...

    Jump to Your Week of Pregnancy

    1 Week

    2 Week

    3 Week

    4 Week

    5 Week

    6 Week

    7 Week

    8 Week

    9 Week

    10 Week

    11 Week

    12 Week

    13 Week

    14 Week

    15 Week

    16 Week

    17 Week

    18 Week

    19 Week

    20 Week

    21 Week

    22 Week

    23 Week

    24 Week

    25 Week

    26 Week

    27 Week

    28 Week

    29 Week

    30 Week

    31 Week

    32 Week

    33 Week

    34 Week

    35 Week

    36 Week

    37 Week

    38 Week

    39 Week

    40 Week

    41 Week

    42 Week

    Explore The Best Products For You & Your Baby

    Trampolines

    High Chairs

    Bras

    Potty Training

    Baby Walker

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    Coming soon...

    site-logo Link to the main page
    Make yourself at home. Discover a safe, friendly environment to learn tips, gain support and find advice.
    • Favorite Topics
    • Privacy Policy GDPR
    • Contact Us
    • Accessibility
    • About Us
    • Medical Review Policy
    Mamas are Cool is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. All information found on mamasarecool.com is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information provided on this website is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice. All contents copyright © 2025 · Mamas are Cool. All rights reserved.