Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia has announced she is pregnant with her first child, “with a bit of help from IVF and a sperm donor”.

It was doubly great news for 44-year-old Imbruglia, who announced the pregnancy along with news she also has a new record deal with BMG, and a new album on the way.

“I have been busy writing for the past year and a half and can’t wait to share these new songs with you all,” she wrote in a post to Instagram.

“And as you can see from the pic.. there is another announcement… (no I haven’t swallowed a watermelon). I’m expecting my first child this Autumn.”

“For those of you that know me, this has been something I have wanted for a very long time and I’m blessed that this is possible with the help of IVF and a sperm donor.”

In the post, Imbruglia said she wouldn’t be making any further public comment on her pregnancy.

Celebrities were quick to jump online and offer their congratulations.

Spice Girl Melanie C wrote “you’re gonna be an AMAZING Mummy and you’re already an AMAZING recording artist”, and Kylie Minogue responded with three love-heart emojis.