Baby joy for Pete and Ashlee

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Pete Wentz have confirmed rumours that they are expecting their first child.

The couple issued a statement via Wentz's website friendsorenemies.com, saying that they had held back on confirming the news earlier to ensure that Simpson-Wentz passed the first trimester safely.

"While many have speculated about this, we wanted to wait until after the first trimester to officially confirm that we are expecting our first child. This is truly the most joyous time in our lives and we are excited to share the happy news and start our family," the statement said.

Singer Simpson-Wentz, 23, and Fall Out Boy rocker Wentz, 28, wed in a quiet ceremony in Los Angeles earlier this month.

The bride's sister was maid of honour, while the groom's dog was reported to have been the ringbearer.

Today's news comes after a string of media reports speculating that the pair were expecting a child.

However, this was something that Wentz vehemently denied, even going so far as to email MTV to call the rumours "a witch-hunt".

Earlier this week, it was announced that Ashlee Simpson will now be known as Ashlee Wentz in private and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz in a professional capacity, according to People.com.