Miss Canada Jaime VandenBerg Reveals Why She Hid Her Pregnancy Onstage While Competing at Miss Universe (Exclusive)

Key Points:

• Jaime VandenBerg, Miss Universe Canada 2025, revealed months after competing in Thailand that she was four months pregnant during the pageant, choosing to keep it private to focus on her advocacy work and avoid being defined by her pregnancy.
• Despite the Miss Universe Organization expanding eligibility rules in 2023 to allow mothers and married women to compete, VandenBerg decided not to disclose her pregnancy to family, organizers, or fellow contestants to maintain privacy and be judged on her accomplishments.
• VandenBerg balanced competing while pregnant by consulting her physician, managing physical changes strategically, and embracing a healthy, confident image rather than conforming to traditional pageant body ideals.
• After giving birth to her daughter in May 2025, VandenBerg retired from pageantry, becoming the first Canadian to hold all four major national titles, and now focuses on motherhood while continuing to mentor future contestants.
• VandenBerg hopes her story inspires women to pursue both motherhood and ambitious goals, emphasizing that pregnancy and motherhood are evolutions of life that can deepen purpose and determination rather than limit opportunities.