Padma Lakshmi is Pregnant, Top Chef Gods Rejoice

Padma Lakshmi is pregnant with her first child, her rep confirms to JustJared.com.

“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,” her rep says of the 39-year-old Top Chef host. “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.”

Padma has been seen holding hands with Manu Nathan, but he is just her cousin, her rep tells us. She was married to novelist Salman Rushdie from 2004 to 2007.

Pictured here in purple is Padma at last week’s 2009 Emmy Awards. Other pictures include Padma and Manu at a movie screening last month.

Padma recently signed a development deal with NBC and Universal Media Studios to develop a half-hour sitcom that she would headline.