Now there’s this: Anthony Weiner, wife reportedly expecting first child

Rep. Anthony Weiner and his wife are expecting their first child, an unexpected twist in the saga involving the New York congressman.

The news, first reported by the New York Times Wednesday afternoon, follows reports that Weiner’s wife, Huma Abedin, remains fiercely committed to salvaging the couple’s marriage, even though she has been out of the public eye since he admitted to lewd communication with women.

Abedin, a longtime aide to Hillary Clinton, is currently traveling with the secretary of State to the United Arab Emirates. It’s the first stop on a four-nation tour that will keep her out of the country through the end of the week.

Photos: A decade of D.C. sex scandals

Abedin was notably absent when Weiner made the stunning admission about his private behavior at a news conference Monday. The congressman had said a week earlier that he hoped his marriage could survive the media frenzy. After coming clean, he said his wife told him she was very disappointed, but also “wanted us to ... pull through this.”

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that Abedin was in New York on Monday, although she didn’t attend the news conference. She has also sought Hillary Clinton’s counsel, as Weiner has of former President Bill Clinton.

The New York Post quoted an unnamed close friend of Abedin who said she’s encouraging Weiner not to resign and still hopes his political career can survive the imbroglio, even as more of Weiner’s fellow Democrats are calling for him to step down.

Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.), charged with candidate recruitment for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said that having “the respect of your constituents is fundamental for a member of Congress.” Reps. Nikki Tsongas (D-Mass.) and Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) are among those who followed suit. In the Senate, Arkansas Democrat Mark Pryor also called for Weiner’s resignation.

Photos: A decade of D.C. sex scandals