When to announce a pregnancy: Bindi Irwin shared her baby news earlier than ‘normal’
Many pregnant women wait until after the 12 week mark.
Bindi Irwin and her husband Chandler Powell are expecting their first child.
“Baby Wildlife Warrior due 2021,” Bindi, 22 wrote on Instagram.
“Chandler and I are proud to announce that we’re expecting! It’s an honour to share this special moment in our lives with you.”
Bindi added that she was announcing her pregnancy news earlier than the societal norm of the 12 week mark or the end of the first trimester because she couldn’t wait to share the news with her fans.
“Though I’m still in my first trimester, we really want you to be part of our journey from the beginning of this new life chapter,” she continued.
“We couldn’t wait to share the news as this beautiful little being has become the most important part of our lives. Your support means the world to us. Please let me know your best advice and send good vibes & prayers to our little sweetheart. Love & light.”
Rumours have been swirling about Bindi and Chandler’s plans to start a family ever since the happy couple tied the knot at Australia Zoo on March 25.
While many women know they are pregnant from the time of their first missed period, it is often advised to wait until they pass the 12 week mark, when the risk of miscarriage greatly decreases, to announce their pregnancies to the world.
But, as Bindi proves the best time to announce your pregnancy is when it feels right to you.
Did you share your pregnancy early or did you wait? Read on, for the key factors to weigh up before you decide to share your happy news with the world.
The risk of miscarriage
It’s widely known that one in four early pregnancies end in miscarriage and roughly 80 percent of these miscarriages occur in the first trimester.
Most miscarriages are caused by factors beyond a mother’s control. About half are caused by chromosomal abnormalities. This means that the baby doesn’t develop properly.
Other causes of first trimester miscarriage include:
- illness in mother
- luteal phase defect (problem with a woman’s monthly cycle)
- hormone imbalances
- adhesions (scar-like tissue) in uterus
Age is another factor that affects miscarriage. Here is the miscarriage risk by age:
- Women ages 35 and under: 15 percent
- Women ages 35 to 45: 20 to 35 percent
- Women ages 45 and older: 50 percent
While 22-year-old Bindi is in the low risk bracket of 15 percent, given these statistics, it’s understandable that many parents wait until they pass their first trimester and the risk of miscarriage drops before they share their pregnancy news.
However, for those women who do decide to announce early and do miscarry, this can help you heal with the help of much-needed support from friends and family.
The first prenatal appointment
The first prenatal visit usually takes place around week six to eight of pregnancy.
During the appointment, your health care provider will confirm your pregnancy, estimate your due date and determine the general health of you and your baby.
For some parents-to-be, hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time or having an ultrasound to date the pregnancy is the reassurance they need before sharing their baby news with everyone.
Other reasons to share the news early
The first trimester may be difficult for some women who are experiencing pregnancy sickness.
Whether choosing to let a few people know, or everyone, may help you to feel suppported as you suffer from tiredness, nausea or vomiting.
You may also want to tell your employer about your pregnancy right away if your job requires you to do physical labor that might be dangerous.
In the end, social norms should not dictate pregnancy announcements. The choice over when to share your pregnancy is entirely up to you.
