Why is Jessica Simpson Holding Back Pregnancy News?

A new picture of Jessica Simpson that surfaced Tuesday has stoked already rampant pregnancy rumors on the Internet.

Simpson, 31, whose fiancé is former NFL player, Eric Johnson, 32, is seen with a very obvious baby bump in the picture in which she is wearing a loose black top and is carrying a big hand bag, probably an attempt to cover her belly, People magazine reported.

The picture was clicked when Simpson was returning after a trip home from her native Texas.

Neither has Simpson announced her pregnancy nor have her representatives spoken anything so far about the pictures, leaving the fans speculating.

The couple is in no hurry to get married anytime soon. We're enjoying our commitment to each other, Simpson said recently. We want to take our time ... We might elope if it gets to that point.

But Radaronline reported that Jessica is pregnant and that she is waiting before telling her fans.

According to the report, Johnson said, It's still early in the pregnancy, and Jessica has decided to wait before sharing her happiness with her fans. But she has begun telling family and friends the exciting news.

Eric's father, Stephen Johnson, when asked about the news said, I haven't heard anything. Is she pregnant? I better give them a call if she is!

But he sure wishes it is true.

I wish it would happen! said Eric's dad. It is just a matter of logistics. They have had so much to do.