Nicole Richie 'checks into LA hospital'

Nicole Richie has reportedly checked into hospital, sparking speculation that she is preparing to give birth to her second child.

According to OK, the Simple Life star entered a Los Angeles facility at the end of last week after attending the memorial service for her former fiancé DJ AM.

The 27-year-old was reported to be expecting her second child with partner Joel Madden at the beginning of the month. The couple are already parents to 19-month-old daughter Harlow Winter Kate.

Madden recently joked that Richie was having "inconvenient" cravings during her pregnancy and often wanted fast food in the early hours of the morning.

He added: "We're very, very blessed. We've already had one healthy kid and that's all you can ask for as a parent, healthy kids. This [pregnancy] is going great."

A representative for Richie has yet to comment.