A pregnancy is a miraculous event, but it can also be an overwhelming experience. There are many concerns that soon-to-be parents may have—from purchasing the right crib to arranging childcare. Perhaps one of the biggest decisions parents need to make is to name their child. But when is the right time to do so? 

When Do Couples Choose Their Baby’s Name? 

First Trimester

Many couples get so excited about their pregnancy that they choose a name for their baby in the first trimester. About 20% of mothers or couples have a name picked out at some point during the first trimester, while some even have names chosen before the conception. This can be difficult, however, since it means the parents need to select names for each gender.

Second Trimester

Over 33% of couples choose a name for their baby in the second trimester and, since this is the middle of the pregnancy, it’s an ideal time to evaluate the baby’s health. Even if you plan on a home birth, your visits with your doctor will help you find out more about your baby. This includes learning whether you’re having a boy or a girl. Knowing the gender can make it easier to settle on a name. 

Third Trimester 

As many as 25% of new parents choose their baby’s name in the third trimester. While this is a little later, it’s still a popular time among natural birth parents to choose a new baby’s name. It leaves a few weeks before the birth, so parents still have time to discuss the options for a name. By this time, they should be able to choose names for just one gender if they haven’t previously selected some unisex names.

After the Birth

Finally, about 25% of parents do wait until the child is born to settle on a name. While this may seem a bit risky, it’s still a popular time for parents to choose a name. In some cases, they may have had difficulty narrowing down their options. It’s not uncommon for a baby to receive their name days, or even weeks, after the birth.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for couples, and choosing a baby name can be a fun experience. The team at Home Birth with Love provides families with the assistance they need to plan out their pregnancy. Founder Leah Marinelli is a state-certified midwife and has 16 years of experience, so new mothers will be in skilled hands. To learn more about home birthing, call (845) 641-5058.