Doctors say pregnant Nicole Richie and her unborn child is at an extreme risk for health problem due to her drug abuse battle and plummenting weight.

According to Star Magazine: ‘Although she’s frightened and desperate to stay clean, sources say sobriety remains a daily struggle, and experts agree that beating her demons will likely be a long and arduous process. Doctors say Nicole’s pregnancy is unusually high-risk. If she did have drugs in her system when she got pregnant, she could be at risk for a miscarriage or birth defects.’

Yale University clinical professor and M.D. Mary Jane Minkin is surprised Nicole was even able to conceive, and says her child is at extraordinary risk.

Dr. Minkin explains: “That baby is at extraordinary risk.” “Nicole needs to gain at least 40 pounds to nourish the baby properly.”