The Scientology Ship Freewind. Credit: Aaron St-Clair / Splash News

Pregnant Katie Holmes could be planning to give birth to Tom Cruise's baby in a Scientology Ship called Freewinds. Insiders say Scientology devotee Tom Cruise is desperate for his baby to be born under strict rules set out by the religious sect. And he is thought to be pushing for Katie to give birth in a Scientology center - which could include one of the religion's specialist luxury cruise-liners.

As well as being a completely controlled environment, the main bonus for the celebrity couple would be privacy. "Tom's concerned that at a hospital someone might sneak into Katie's room and take pictures," said a source close to Katie's family.

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise © AFP

Scientology expert Rick Ross said: "I think the birth will be on The Freewinds" - referring to Scientology's luxury cruise liner. Wherever it happens, if they stick strictly to Scientology rules Tom will not be allowed in the delivery room, the birth will have to be drug-free, and Katie will be surrounded by silence during the delivery and for several hours afterwards.

Insiders insist Katie's family are pushing for a regular hospital birth. "They'd feel more at peace with all the resources a hospital can provide," a source said. And friends say Katie is feeling "a lot of stress' over the birth. "She's doesn't know what to expect," the source said. "This is her first birth."