Joel Madden and Nicole Richie Pregnant

Joel Madden and Nicole Richie Pregnant: Family Matters

Nicole Richie and Joel Madden both claim to be very committed to starting a family together. However, Madden recently told People that they plan to focus on the baby for now. No official wedding date has been set. "Obviously, marriage is in our future. I don't know when or where or how, but right now our priority is our family and the baby," Madden said.

Before he began dating Nicole Richie, Joel Madden was previously involved with actress Hilary Duff. Richie’s former flames include Elijah Blue Allam, Adam Goldstein, and Brody Jenner. However, Richie credits Madden with giving her the strength to give up her reputation as one of Hollywood’s biggest party girls.

Working Towards a Healthy Pregnancy

After making the announcement that she was pregnant, Nicole Richie found herself the subject of much speculation in regards to her ability to carry a healthy pregnancy.

In an interview with Diane Sawyer shortly after the Joel Madden and Nicole Richie pregnant rumor was confirmed, Richie said, “I owe the baby my life. I owe this baby everything and I have a responsibility now. Besides being responsible for myself, I'm now responsible for someone else. And I have to set the right examples. I have to really be someone that I would want my child to look up to.”

Eating Disorders

Although she has denied rumors that she suffers from an eating disorder, Nicole Richie’s slight build and habit of fainting in public places have led many people to express concern over her health.

It is well known that babies born to women who suffer from anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders are more likely to be born prematurely. Other complications include abnormal blood pressure, low birth weight, and difficulty maintaining body temperature. However, Richie has access to some of the best doctors in the world and has been photographed several times gaining what appears to be an appropriate amount of weight.

Alcohol and Drug Use

As one of Hollywood’s most noted socialites, Nicole Richie has had her fair share of troubles with alcohol and drug use. For example, she was charged with possession of heroin in February 2003 after being arrested for driving with a suspended license. In December 2006, Ritchie was arrested by the California Highway Patrol and charged with driving under the influence. She admits to using marijuana and Vicodin before the incident.

During an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Nicole Richie said she began experimenting with drugs and alcohol at the age of 13. She’s since been through rehab and extensive counseling, which she says has helped her to remain sober. "Everything came out," Richie said. "I was definitely trying to mask hurt, abandonment. I had no idea I was feeling this way."

Alcohol and drug use during pregnancy can cause premature birth, learning disabilities, or birth defects. In addition, babies born to drug users often suffer from withdrawal symptoms shortly after birth.

Smoking

Although he has been frequently photographed smoking, Joel Madden recently stated he has given up nicotine to do his part in keeping his child healthy. Exposure to secondhand smoke is very dangerous for pregnant women. Secondhand smoke has more than 4,000 chemicals--including 40 cancer-causing agents and 200 known poisons. It has also been linked to an increase in miscarriages and stillbirths.

Additional Information

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