Pregnancy Announcements

Share Your Joy with Pregnancy Announcement Cards

One of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is sharing the big news. Our pregnancy announcement cards make it easy to tell your loved ones that you're expecting in a way that feels personal, joyful, and true to you. Whether you're sending we're expecting cards to close family or creating a baby on the way announcement to share with a wider circle, you’ll turn your announcement into a special keepsake your loved ones will treasure.

How to Announce Your Pregnancy with Cards

Not sure where to start when announcing your pregnancy? Here’s how to do it thoughtfully and memorably:

• Decide who you're announcing to: Some parents start with just close family, then share with friends and coworkers later. If you're mailing pregnancy announcements, be sure you have updated addresses.
• Choose your announcement style: Photo pregnancy announcements are popular for sharing ultrasound images, baby bump pictures, or a creative couple’s photo. You can also go with a non-photo design for a more minimal, text-forward look.
• Include your personal message: This is your chance to set the tone—some go heartfelt (“Our greatest adventure begins...”), others humorous (“Oops... we did it again!”).
• Mail your cards or add them to a special moment: You can send your pregnancy announcement cards on their own or include them as part of a gift box, frame, or care package for family and friends.

A printed card gives your announcement a tangible, lasting feel—perfect for framing, saving in a baby book, or sharing on social media. Get inspired by our guide to Pregnancy Announcement Captions for Instagram.

Creative Pregnancy Announcement Ideas

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some pregnancy announcement ideas that work beautifully on cards:

• Ultrasound photo reveal: Feature your baby’s first photo in a photo pregnancy announcement.
• Baby shoes or onesie flat lay: Include an image of tiny baby items styled on a cozy blanket.
• Pet participation: A dog in a “Big Brother” bandana or cat next to a letterboard saying “Human sibling coming soon.”
• Sibling reveal: Your child holding a sign that says “Promoted to Big Sister!”
• Couples shot: A sweet photo of you and your partner holding the ultrasound, baby booties, or a letterboard.
• Bun in the oven: Literally pose with your oven or use a cute illustration.
• Holiday themes: “Our little pumpkin is on the way” for fall or “The best present is arriving [due date]” for winter holidays.
• Seasonal vibes: “Baby on board” with a summer beach photo, or a cozy winter pregnancy reveal with mugs and blankets.
• Letterboard announcement: Keep it simple with a styled photo of a letterboard and baby items around it.
• Mail a surprise box: Include your card in a small gift box with baby socks or a pacifier for an extra-cute reveal.

You can turn any of these ideas into a photo pregnancy announcement or let your card design do the storytelling on its own.

Customize Your Pregnancy Announcement Cards

Every pregnancy is unique—and your announcement should be too. With Shutterfly, it’s easy to create custom pregnancy announcement cards that reflect your personality and style. Choose from a wide variety of designs in different themes, layouts, and tones: sweet and soft, rustic, modern, funny, or timeless.

Here’s how to make your card feel one-of-a-kind:

• Add your own photos: Include ultrasound images, maternity shoot photos, or fun lifestyle images that capture your news.
• Personalize your message: Edit the wording with your names, due date, and a message that feels like you.
• Choose your finishing touches: Select your cardstock, trim style, foil accents, and matching envelopes to complete the look.

Whether you're making “we're expecting” cards for your parents or a baby on the way announcement for friends, every detail can be tailored to your vision.

When to Send a Pregnancy Announcement Cards

There’s no official rule for when to send pregnancy announcements—but many people wait until after the first trimester (around 12 weeks). That’s when most families feel ready to share the news more broadly.

Here are a few timing tips:

• Early sharing (first trimester): Some couples tell close family and best friends earlier with an intimate card or gift.
• Traditional timing (12–16 weeks): This is a popular window for mailing formal pregnancy announcements.
• Second trimester celebrations: Many families combine announcements with gender reveal cards or baby shower save the dates.
• Anytime that feels right for you: Trust your own instincts and timeline. Your pregnancy, your pace.

No matter when you decide to share, your announcement will be meaningful and memorable with a custom card.

Pregnancy Announcement Wording Ideas

Not sure what to write? Start with the basics: most pregnancy announcements include the parents’ names (or a photo), the baby’s due date or expected month of arrival, and a short message sharing the big news. Depending on your style, you can keep it simple or get creative with a heartfelt, humorous, or themed announcement.

Whether you’re aiming for sweet or silly, here are some wording ideas to inspire your announcement:

Sweet & Sentimental

• “We’re over the moon—Baby [Last Name] arriving [Due Date]!”
• “Our greatest adventure begins… [Baby’s due date]”
• “Twinkle twinkle little star, can’t wait to meet who you are.”

Playful & Fun

• “Bun in the oven—ready by [Due Date]!”
• “Oops… we did it again.”
• “A tiny new roommate is moving in this [Month].”

Sibling or Pet-Themed

• “Big brother duties start [Due Date]”
• “Our fur baby is getting a human!”
• “Promoted to big sister!”

Simple & Classic

• “Baby on the way—due [Month Year]”
• “We’re expecting!”
• “Excited to announce the upcoming arrival of our little one.”

More Baby Stationery and Gifts

Your journey is just beginning, and we’re here to help you celebrate every milestone. After your pregnancy announcement, explore more personalized products for your growing family:

• Birth Announcements
• Baby Shower Invitations
• Baby Photo Books
• Custom Baby Gifts

From we’re expecting to welcome baby, Shutterfly is with you every step of the way.