From:babytime.blogware.com
Baby Showers are more often than not given prior to a baby's birth, commonly a month or two ahead of the expected date of delivery. It's an excellent thought to present the to-be-mother a sufficient amount of time subsequent to the baby shower to buy the stuff she didn't obtain, nonetheless wants to procure by the time the baby arrives. And, evidently, you must not hold the baby shower too close to baby's expected date in case he or she makes a premature appearance!
Various individuals like to conduct a "Welcoming Baby Shower" a few weeks subsequent to the baby arrives, predominantly if guests want to fetch gifts expressly for a boy or girl. This is can also be one of the alternatives if there are special out-of-town relatives (baby's grandparents, for example) who are arriving post-birth and would love to attend the baby shower but are unable to arrange two trips.

To surprise or not to surprise...that is the question
Surprises can be fun if they are the kind of thing the expecting mother typically enjoys. In this case, you need to enlist the help of those close to the mom to find out her needs and wants for the baby. You'll also want to plan the guest list carefully, checking it with a close relative or friend to be sure you haven't omitted anyone close to the expecting mom.

A traditional and customary baby shower is a safer bet: proving you a ability to evaluate the guest list with the guest of honor, and also lets the mom to register for gifts and allow the host to discern any particular requirement desirable for the baby.

Regardless of whether the baby showers is a surprise party, or otherwise, bear in mind that it is for the mom-to-be! Ensure she has a comfortable chair to sit in (which does not apply much of stress on both to-be-mother and the baby), someone to tender her gifts (no pregnant woman will like to bend down to pick up objects), her choicest cuisines, and abundance of help getting the gifts to her car and into her home. Since this is her day - a special one!