Padma Lakshmi Expecting a Mini-Chef

Top Chef‘s Padma Lakshmi, 39, who has the face and body of a goddess, the hair of Princess Leia and the fashion sense of Charo, is pregnant.

Her rep tells Us Weekly:

“Model, author, and Emmy-nominated Padma Lakshmi confirms that she is carrying her first child after years of struggling with endometriosis, a cause for which she has co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America.  As a result of her condition, this pregnancy has been referred to by her physician as nothing short of a medical miracle, and due to its delicate nature, we ask/implore the press to respect Ms. Lakshmi’s privacy at this time.”

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which the uterus’ lining grows in other areas of the body, causing pain, irregular bleeding and possible infertility.

Well, that doesn’t sound like much fun.

To add a hint of mystery, the baby’s father has not been revealed. Online reports have speculated Manu Nathan is the dad, but her rep denies that, telling Us he’s Lakshmi’s cousin.

That would certainly make things, um, interesting.  At least it would cut down on the number of birth announcements she’d have to send out!  (I kid, I kid…)