Paris  - French Justice Minister Rachida Dati on Wednesday said she was pregnant, confirming rumours that have been swirling around Paris for weeks.

"I am still in a risk area," the 42-year-old said in reference to her age. "If it stabilizes, I will be happy... If not I will be very upset, but I will cover it with lipstick and deal with it myself."

According to reports, the baby is due to be born next spring, when President Nicolas Sarkozy is due to reshuffle his government. In the meantime, Dati said she would continue her busy schedule.

"There is no reason for me to slow down or cease my ministerial activities," she said. "This is not an illness."

Dati refused to divulge the identity of the father of the child she is carrying.

"I have a complex private life," she said. "I will not say anything about it." (dpa)