[Smithy]

Mariah Carey has reportedly hinted that she is expecting a baby.

The actress sparked the pregnancy rumours when she seemed unsteady on her feet at the Independent Spirit Awards, the New York Post says.

A source explained: "Mariah came out as a presenter, but she was having trouble in her heels, which were eight inches high and so spiky, she accidentally stabbed herself in one foot before she was helped on stage.

"She seemed to be the only star hanging onto personal security. Outside the press area she seemed really giddy and was overheard saying jokingly, 'I don't know if I can do this'. And she didn't arrive and leave through an elevator like the other stars. She had a BMW limo pull right up to the stage."

Meanwhile, Carey reportedly fuelled the speculation backstage by announcing that she has something "special" coming up.

"I have a lot of new acting projects coming up," she said. "I am talking to [Precious director Lee Daniels] about at least three movies.

"But there's also something else very special on the way. I can't say any more."