Insiders say the trouble started shortly after their recent lavish Beverly Hills baby shower. With tensions already running high during the organizing of the celeb-studded event, Joel snapped at his girlfriend about her high-maintenance demands, emotional outbursts and weight loss in the crucial final trimester of her pregnancy.

"Joel says he doesn't want to be around her right now," says a concerned pal.

The reality TV star seems to have ignored his pleas to look after herself, leading to many rows between the pair. Onlookers say during one spat, Joel was heard screaming, "This is my baby, too, and I'm not asking you, I'm telling you, slow down!"

"This last trimester has really taken a toll," says a friend. "Her hormones are all out of wack — she's been grouchy and demanding."