Jessica Simpson’s highly-publicized sudden “weight gain” has prompted rumors that the buxom blonde is expecting her first child.

The 28-year-old actress and singer, once regarded as a modern day sex symbol, could be expecting a baby with her boyfriend, Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo, friends say.

“She hasn’t been packing on the pounds because she’s over-eating. The big rumour from her inner circle is that a baby could be the reason she’s carrying some added weight,” a pal revealed to reporters for Britain’s Daily Mail over the weekend.

The informant added, “I’m sure she and Tony aren’t ready to say she’s pregnant yet because they don’t want to announce it till later in the pregnancy for fear they’ll jinx the birth. Those closest to them almost certainly know the truth but they will have been sworn to secrecy. Just like her, they’re having to bite their bottom lips and keep mom.”