A Chinese woman who survived a cliff fall instigated by her husband revealed that her IVF newborn has congenital heart disease. - Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/Sohu
BEIJING: A woman in China, who miraculously survived being pushed off a cliff in Thailand by her husband and lost her unborn child as a result, recently disclosed that her newborn, conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), is battling congenital heart disease.
Wang Nan, 38, who is better known online as Wang Nuannuan, endured severe injuries during the harrowing 34-metre fall while holidaying at a Thai national park in June 2019 with her partner.
Her husband, Yu Xiaodong, attempted to murder her in a bid to inherit her fortune and settle his mounting gambling debts. A Thai court subsequently sentenced him to 33 years and four months in prison.
At the time of the incident, Wang was pregnant and suffered an astounding 17 fractures, leading to the insertion of over 100 steel pins into her body.
She spent three years in a wheelchair and experienced the loss of her unborn child, with doctors cautioning her that she might never conceive naturally again.
After the cliff fall, Wang spent three years in a wheelchair and suffered the loss of her unborn child, with doctors saying she might never conceive naturally again. - Photo: Weixin
Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Wang underwent multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, ultimately regaining her ability to walk and live independently.
In September last year, she joyfully announced the birth of her son through IVF, receiving warm wishes from many supporters online.
On March 12, Wang revealed that her son, who was diagnosed with congenital heart disease at birth, has been receiving regular check-ups, surgery, and rehabilitation since he was three months old.
Congenital heart disease represents the most prevalent type of birth defect, where mild cases can be asymptomatic, while severe instances may result in life-threatening complications such as hypoxia, shock, or even death at birth.
Wang shared with the mainland media outlet Fengmian News that her son is showing promising signs of recovery.
As a first-time mother, she experienced overwhelming fear and helplessness but is determined to stay strong for her child.
“I want to assure my baby, do not be afraid, Mummy is always here, and I will be by your side as you grow up healthy,” Wang expressed.
Many mothers who have faced similar challenges reached out to offer their support and encouragement to Wang.
One woman shared: “Nuannuan, my child also had a severe heart issue. At seven months, he underwent a 16-hour surgery in Shanghai, and now he is seven years old and thriving.”
“You have endured so much, but brighter days lie ahead. Keep holding on, Wang,” another wrote.
Wang has embarked on a new chapter in Hangzhou, eastern China, where she shares her daily life on social media and markets baby products and snacks during live-streams, amassing 4.6 million followers on Douyin.
In December last year, Wang revealed that she and Yu had not yet finalised their divorce, as he demanded 30 million yuan (US$4 million) in compensation for his emotional turmoil and loss of youth during his incarceration.
In January, her lawyer announced that authorities in both China and Thailand are actively working on the divorce case, although the specifics and timeline of the court proceedings remain unclear. - South China Morning Post
