In a groundbreaking revelation that has captured media attention, Jaime VandenBerg, Miss Canada, disclosed that she was four months pregnant during her participation in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant held in Thailand last November. This announcement, made through an Instagram Reel shared on 2 March, showcased a heartwarming juxtaposition of VandenBerg competing in the swimwear segment of the prestigious event and her preparations for motherhood.
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In her post, VandenBerg, now 29, revealed clips from her time at Miss Universe, where she confidently paraded in a two-piece swimsuit. The video later transitioned to a more recent scene of her setting up a car seat, her pregnancy unmistakably visible. “From the Miss Universe stage… to my third trimester setting up my @nuna_canada pipa car seat & mixx next stroller 🤍,” she noted in her caption, expressing her joy and pride in sharing her journey.
VandenBerg, who advanced to the top 30 in the competition, continued by informing her followers that she was, in fact, 16 weeks pregnant when she took the stage. “Carrying life while living out a dream I once thought impossible,” she wrote, while sharing her excitement in being able to reveal her pregnancy publicly. “Today, it feels freeing to share this: I am pregnant 💕.”
The announcement came at a time of significant change for the Miss Universe Organisation, which had previously enforced strict entry criteria. Traditionally, the pageant only allowed participation from single women aged 18 to 28. However, in a move towards greater inclusivity, the rules were altered in 2023 to welcome competitors who are mothers and married women, effectively broadening the scope of participants for future events.
VandenBerg warmly embraced these evolving standards, reflecting on her experience and its implications for women everywhere. “With the evolving rules of Miss Universe, may this placement stand as proof that motherhood is not the end of ambition, and pregnancy is not a limitation,” she remarked. Her words resonate with many, as she reinforces the idea that aspirations can coexist with motherhood. “What an honour it will be to become the first mother while reigning Miss Universe Canada,” she added.
The modifications to the pageant’s regulations have sparked widespread celebration among women globally, who commend the Miss Universe Organisation for its progressive stance. These changes not only acknowledge the diverse experiences of women but also reflect broader societal shifts towards inclusivity.
Adding to the conversation, Christina Dietze, a 38-year-old fashion brand founder, has announced her participation in the upcoming Miss Universe Australia competition, becoming the oldest contestant ever to enter the national pageant. Her announcement, made on 9 February, highlighted a personal sense of fulfilment and joy in embracing this new journey. “This timing feels so aligned with the woman I am today,” Dietze expressed, further emphasising the evolution of the pageant’s inclusivity.
The recent developments in the Miss Universe Organisation indicate a commitment to evolving with the times while supporting a broader array of narratives and empowering women across various stages of life. VandenBerg’s announcement is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the empowerment and inclusivity that the pageant aims to foster.
As these contestants continue to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms, it remains to be seen how this new direction will shape the future of beauty pageants globally, opening doors for countless women and providing platforms for diverse voices and life stories. The ongoing transformation within the Miss Universe Organisation mirrors a gradual societal acceptance and celebration of motherhood, ambition, and varied experiences, paving the way for a new generation of empowered women.
With excitement building in the lead-up to future pageants, the journey of VandenBerg and others like her is set to inspire women around the world to pursue their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. The landscape of beauty pageants is undoubtedly changing, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment that acknowledges and champions the multifaceted lives of women everywhere.