Madrid  - Spain's first female defence minister, Carme Chacon, 37, went into hospital Monday to give birth to her first child, ministry sources said.

Chacon postponed a planned meeting with a parliamentary defence commission in order to enter a hospital near Barcelona.

After winning the March 9 elections, Socialist Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero appointed Spain's first female-dominated cabinet, including Chacon whose appointment sparked some controversy within the army.

On taking office, the former housing minister made worldwide headlines by inspecting troops in an advanced state of pregnancy.

Chacon then visited Spanish troops in Lebanon and Afghanistan, in a sign that motherhood did not prevent women from carrying out professional duties. (dpa)