After months of rumors -- which began circulating even before she married Kevin Federline -- Britney Spears has confirmed that she is indeed pregnant.

The announcement comes just two weeks after the singer had criticized magazines such as Us Weekly and Star for running reports suggesting that her apparent weight gain could be mean that very thing.

"The time has finally come to share our wonderful news that we are expecting our first child together," Spears wrote on her newly redesigned Web site Tuesday (April 12).

Star and Us Weekly have reported that the singer is three months pregnant, claiming that a recent visit to the doctor was for a sonogram. They've also noted that Spears hasn't been spotted drinking or smoking recently, and both have run pictures that appear to indicate that Spears has gained weight in her breasts and abdominal area. Spears recently responded negatively to the stories, which also mentioned marital discord (see [article id="1499271"]"Britney Lashes Out Against Tabloid 'Liars' On Her Web Site"[/article]).

To stop further speculation, Spears put another rumor to rest.

"There are reports that I was in the hospital this weekend," she wrote. "Kevin and I just want everyone to know that all is well. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers."

Spears' spokesperson confirmed that the letter from the singer is authentic and that her Web site had not been hacked. She had no further details "at this time."

Ever since her wedding to Federline on September 18, 2004, Spears has written about her desire to start a family. In one such letter in November, she wrote, "A lot of people think you should wait till you're older to have kids. I've had a career since I was 16, have traveled around the world and back, and even kissed Madonna! The only thing I haven't done is experience the closest thing to God, and that's having a baby. I can't wait!"

On the site, Spears has also shared her musings on motherhood (which she compared to cooking) and the kind of mom she'd want to be. "I thought I would never say this, but I love not working so much!" she wrote. "To be a really good mom, I feel your child needs to be your full-time job. I want to raise my kids and share all of those precious moments with them, and not rely on nannies."

Federline already has two children with former girlfriend Shar Jackson: 2-year-old Kori and 8-month-old Kaleb.

For Hollywood's reaction to Britney and Kevin's big news, see [article id="1500083"]"JC Chasez, Sophia Bush, Others Wish Britney Well On Her Pregnancy."[/article]