Federal MP Kate Ellis announces pregnancy

Opposition spokeswoman for education Kate Ellis is pregnant with her first child.

Ms Ellis, 37, says she is excited to be expanding her family with husband David Penberthy.

"(We are) looking forward to a very exciting year," she said.

The politician decided to announce the news only because "it was going to be increasingly hard to hide".

The couple was confident of balancing family and political work, she said.

"We're acutely aware that our circumstances are much, much easier than those faced by the majority of new families so we're confident that we'll find a way through," she said.

Mr Penberthy, a journalist, thanked those who have congratulated the pair.

"Sincere thanks from us both for the kind messages," he tweeted.

Mr Penberthy has two children from a previous marriage.