Jaime VandenBerg breaks silence on competing pregnant and embracing motherhood

Former Miss Universe Canada winner Jaime VandenBerg has revealed that she was four months pregnant while competing at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand.

The beauty queen shared that she and her partner, Aaron Hernandez, decided to keep the pregnancy private during the international pageant.

VandenBerg explained that she wanted to be judged for her advocacy work, dedication and achievements rather than being defined as “the pregnant contestant.” She said she feared the announcement could overshadow the decade of preparation and her platform focused on raising awareness about gender-based violence.

The 29-year-old discovered she was pregnant while working in Mexico City and said she felt ready to embrace motherhood despite the unexpected timing. Before traveling to Thailand, she consulted her doctor, who reassured her that pregnancy was not an illness and encouraged her to listen to her body throughout the competition.

During Miss Universe 2025, VandenBerg said she felt healthy and confident while competing in the second trimester. She adapted her wardrobe choices as her body changed and embraced pregnancy as part of her journey rather than a limitation.

The former pageant queen, who survived a near-fatal shooting in 2021, said the experience changed her perspective on success and beauty. She welcomed her daughter, Charlotte Nicole Hernandez-VandenBerg, on May 14 and has since retired from pageantry.

VandenBerg hopes her story inspires women to pursue their ambitions while embracing motherhood. She believes pregnancy and parenthood can strengthen a person’s purpose rather than end their dreams.