The 27-year-old star, who is expecting her second child with partner Joel Madden, reportedly checked into a Los Angeles medical centre at the end of last week.

Gossip website X17 reports: “The day after DJ AM’s memorial, rumours began to fly that Nicole Richie – Adam Goldstein’s former fiancee – was admitted to a local Los Angeles hospital. Could she finally be ready to give birth???”

Nicole’s due date is believed to be early September.

Nicole – who already has 19-month-old daughter Harlow with Joel – attended the ceremony in remembrance of DJ AM on Thursday (03.09.09).

An onlooker said: “The crowd was very hip and eclectic. It was a very sombre and sad crowd.”

The service was structured like an Alcoholics Anonymous 12 steps meeting in tribute to the 36-year-old star, who had battled substance abuse.

Joel has previously revealed he and Nicole can’t wait to welcome their second child into the world.

The Good Charlotte frontman said: “We’re excited about it. It’s going to be great.”

Nicole’s father, singer Lionel Richie, recently confessed he hopes the couple will have a son.

He said: “It’s very exciting. Joel is hoping for a boy, but knowing Nicole she’s hoping for a little girl again. They’re not telling me what sex the baby is because I’ll tell everyone!

“Nicole is the mom of moms. She’s in love with the whole concept.”

[Image: ET Online]

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Nicole Richie and Joel Madden are expecting a second child.

Madden made the announcement himself on the Good Charlotte blog:

What’s better than winning an Oscar? I am so happy to tell everyone that Harlow is going to be a big sister! God has truly blessed my family. Hope your all feeling as good as i am right now………

Harlow Winter Kate Madden, Richie and Madden’s first child was born January 11, 2008.

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A source spoke to Star and said that Joel Madden was “overwhelmed” by the plans, but warmed up to it over time: “Nicole simply told Joel that she wants another baby —right away. He was a little overwhelmed at first, but now he’s with her 100 percent. They’re both thrilled about adding to their family.”

It sounds like Nicole and Joel are in baby bliss, except for one small detail– Star says that Nicole’s been planning on baby no. 2 to “double their commitment” after hitting a “rough patch.” Sounds risky, no?

Let’s take all of this with a grain of salt, considering the Tara Reid debacle from which Star recently emerged.

Related posts:

1. Nicole Richie and Joel Have Wed in Secret
2. Nicole Richie is in hospital
3. Nicole Richie Pregnant