Bootylicious pop star Beyonce Knowles is pregnant with her first child, friends have confirmed.

The Crazy In Love singer - who married rapper Jay-Z in a secret ceremony last month - has reportedly been indulging in all her favourite calorific goodies since discovering she is expecting her first child.

A pal told the New York Post newspaper: "She has gained a lot of pregnancy weight. When she gains weight, she normally does the Def Jam detox, but not now."

Beyonce further fuelled speculation she is pregnant after she was spotted in New York this week sporting what appeared to be a baby bump.

A source close to the couple said: "I've heard from at least two people that Beyonce is pregnant."

Following the couple's April wedding ceremony, actress Vivica A Fox revealed it wouldn't be long before they started a family, saying: "I wish them many, many years of happiness and some babies. I think she will be really pretty pregnant, just like Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry."

It was claimed the couple “rushed” forward their nuptials as Beyonce was determined to tie the knot before her baby bump started to show.

Last year, Beyonce insisted she wouldn't pressurise 38-year-old Jay-Z into having children, saying: "You can't rush a man into anything whether it's a relationship, marriage or having children. When he's ready he'll let you know."