Superstar singer Beyonce Knowles is said to be pregnant with her first child. 

The 29-year-old singer, who is married to rapper Jay-Z, had been planning a world tour before starting a family.

The former Destiny's Child singer, who was spotted with her husband in Miami Beach yesterday, is said to be surprised but pleased at the news.

Although a spokesman for the singer refused to comment on the report in an American magazine, there was no denial.

A source told Us Weekly magazine: ‘B was shocked. She loves kids, but she wasn't ready to be a mother just yet. She really wanted to get her album done and tour the world again.’

However, another source said of the singer - who is believed to be a ’devout Methodist': ‘This a gift from God and she's so happy.’

Ms Knowles is thought to be in her first trimester which is less than 14 weeks into the pregnancy.

Friends and family of the couple are already expressing their well-wishes for the pair.

Record executive Kevin Liles, who has known Jay-Z for years, said: ‘Jay has been all about family since I met him, and he's always going to be. I wish them the best.'

While Ms Knowles’ sister Solange said: 'She [Beyonce] has got the most beautiful heart. She'll be a great mom.’

Beyonce and Jay-Z - real name Shawn Carter - started dating in 2002 while working on the single '03 Bonnie and Clyde.

The couple have always remained very private about their relationship, refusing to discuss each other in interviews.

They married in a secret ceremony in New York in April 2008.

In an interview with the Mail On Sunday's You magazine in August, Beyonce refused to divulge when she was planning to start a family.

She said: 'My ambition is to continue to learn about the world and to eventually have a family. There are no dates, no times – it will happen when I am ready.'

Well, if it's true, congratulations to the couple.   Neither Beyonce nor Jay-Z, nor anyone from their camp, have confirmed the rumors, but then again, they probably won't confirm anything until she begins to show.  They're so damn secretive that you can't even....I don't know, be happy, happy for them.  Either way, I wish her a healthy pregnancy.