How to Celebrate When You're Expecting

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - May 8, 2012) - (Family Features) There are many ways to share the news that you're expecting. Some couples tell loved ones in person, some over the phone. But many people are now taking to social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and even Pinterest to reveal the exciting news.

"As both a mom and blogger, I've noticed many trends in the last year, both in how the news is shared and how the overall pregnancy is approached," said Beth Feldman, president of Role Mommy, an online community and events company.

Here are just a few of the trending ways you can share the joy and celebrate your pregnancy:

Gender Reveal Cakes - Ask your ultrasound technician not to tell you the results. Instead, have them seal the gender results in an envelope. Then, take the envelope to a bakery, which can tint cake batter pink or blue, then cover it with icing. At a special party, cut into the cake to reveal the baby's gender.

Dadchelor Parties - Moms-to-be aren't the only ones getting celebrated. Dadchelor parties, also known as man-showers, diaper parties and daddymoons, are fun ways for expectant fathers to celebrate their last, child-free months, as well as the upcoming baby. Feldman recommends setting the date of the party at least one month before the baby's due date. Start planning at www.dadchelorpartyinvitations.com.

Pregnancy Portraits - Professional photographers are receiving more visits from moms-to-be as they pose for portraits and immortalize their pregnancy as a treasured keepsake. Many maternity photos are taken at the beginning of the third trimester. Review the photographer's portfolio to ensure their style is a good fit with yours. Discuss the types of photos you want, what to expect at the shoot and options for albums, prints and other photo-related merchandise.

Babymoons - These vacations are when parents-to-be take a trip before the arrival of their baby. It can be an exotic excursion or a quiet weekend getaway close to home. Whatever you choose, Feldman advises you minimize travel time and maintain access to medical facilities.

Themed Baby Showers - Celebrities are taking this event to an extreme, as seen with Jessica Simpson's over-the-top Charlotte's Web-themed extravaganza. For unique shower ideas, visit the Hostess with the Mostess (www.hwtm.com). You'll find suggestions for boy and girl parties, as well as gender-neutral, themes for twins and multiples, and styles that range from fancy to casual.

Finding out that you're pregnant is a very exciting, emotional time. If you want to start planning for your baby's arrival as soon as possible, the Early Result Pregnancy Test by the makers of First Response® is the only test that tells you six days before your missed period. And that allows you to start planning for your pregnancy sooner -- including how you'll tell your loved ones that a bundle of joy is on its way.

For more information about First Response pregnancy, ovulation and fertility tests, please visit www.FirstResponse.com.

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