Many people wait until after the first trimester (about 12 weeks) when miscarriage risk drops, but you can tell people whenever you feel comfortable.
Common timing
Many wait until after the first trimester, about 12 weeks, when miscarriage risk falls from about 10% to 5% or less.
Risk by stage
Miscarriage risk is highest in the first 8 weeks.
Reasons to tell earlier
Support, a high risk pregnancy or health needs.
Reasons to wait
Privacy and emotional safety.
Tell your doctor
As soon as you know.
Work
Check your rights.
Risk by week
Miscarriage risk is highest early. About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with most before 12 weeks. Once a heartbeat is seen on ultrasound at about 6 to 8 weeks, the chance of miscarriage drops to roughly 5 percent or less in healthy women, and falls further after 12 weeks to about 1 to 2 percent.
- Many people wait until after the first trimester (12 to 13 weeks) to share widely.
- Others tell close family earlier for support in case of loss.
- Some need to tell employers early if a job involves hazards such as chemicals or heavy lifting.
Practical timing
The decision is personal. Tell your doctor or midwife as soon as you know to start prenatal care and folic acid (400 to 800 mcg daily). In the US, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and FMLA protect employees, with FMLA covering eligible workers after 12 months of employment. Employers usually need notice 30 days ahead for leave when foreseeable. Check local rules.
Risk by week
Miscarriage risk is highest early. About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, most in the first 12 weeks. Once a heartbeat is seen on ultrasound around 6 to 8 weeks, the risk falls to roughly 10 percent or lower, and after 12 weeks it drops to about 1 to 5 percent.
Practical timing
Many people wait until after the first trimester (12 to 13 weeks) to announce, but there is no rule. Consider telling support people sooner. Workplace policies and legal protections, such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, apply once you tell your employer.
Legal and workplace aspects
Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (effective June 2023), US employers with 15 or more employees must provide reasonable accommodations. FMLA gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Some states offer paid family leave. You are generally not required to announce at a specific time, but need to provide notice for leave.
Emotional timing
Surveys show about 60 percent of people share at 12 weeks. Consider telling close family sooner for support in case of loss. After the 12 week scan, miscarriage risk is about 1 to 2 percent. Genetic screening results at 10 to 13 weeks (cell free DNA) may influence timing for some.
Based on data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
