The model-turned-TV presenter, 39, confirmed she was pregnant after showing a hint of a baby bump at the Emmy Awards less than two weeks ago.
Doctors have hailed the pregnancy a 'miracle' as Lakshmi spent years struggling to conceive after being diagnosed with endometriosis.
Baby on the way: Model-turned-TV presenter Padma Lakshmi, pictured at the Emmy Awards on September 20, is pregnant with her first child
Her spokesman told Us Weekly magazine: 'Padma Lakshmi confirms that she is carrying her first child after years of struggling with endometriosis, a cause for which she has co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America.
'As a result of her condition, this pregnancy has been referred to by her physician as nothing short of a medical miracle, and due to its delicate nature, we ask/implore the press to respect Ms. Lakshmi's privacy at this time.'
Lakshmi hasn't named the father of the baby, but her spokesman denied internet rumours it was lawyer Manu Nathan, pointing out he is her cousin.
Endometriosis is condition which occurs when endometrial like tissue grows outside the uterus, which causes pain, irregular bleeding and potential infertility.
Speaking about the condition earlier this year, Lakshmi said: 'I'm somebody who never knew I had this condition and always thought that everything was ok.
'I found out in a very hard, difficult way - and I had to be operated on. Now, I'm fine but it was a very trying ordeal.'
Several celebrities have spoken about their battle with endometriosis, including Louise Redknapp, Emma Bunton and Anna Friel.
Indian-born Lakshmi's pregnancy news comes two years after she split from acclaimed author Rushdie after three years of marriage.
During their relationship, Lakshmi was stepmother to Rushdie's son Zafar.
Lakshmi started off her career as a fashion model in 1990 and went on to work for Ungaro, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli and Alberta Ferretti.
In the late Nineties, she turned her attention to food and wrote several best-selling cookery books before going on to present TV shows Planet Food and Melting Pot: Padma's Passport.
She has been hosting U.S. show Top Chef since 2006, for which she has been Emmy nominated.
Lakshmi has also starred in several TV and movie roles, including an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise and Sharpe's Challenge.
