Former conjoined twin defies odds, gives birth at the hospital that saved her life

A woman who was once part of conjoined twins has given birth to a healthy baby girl in China. The delivery took place at the same general hospital where she underwent separation surgery 28 years ago. Doctors closely monitored the high-risk pregnancy due to her complex medical history.

The young mother was born with Pentalogy of Fallot, a severe congenital heart condition. In 1997, she and her twin were successfully separated at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University. A team of over 20 specialists, led by surgeon Chen Yuquan, performed the intricate operation at the time.

Her baby, named Tangyuan, was born on February 22, 2026, weighing 2,800 grams. The birth coincided with the Chinese New Year of the Horse, making her one of 56 'Horse babies' welcomed by the hospital during the celebrations. Due to the mother's heart condition, her pregnancy was classified as high-risk.

A multidisciplinary team, headed by Dr. Xu Yunzhao, oversaw the delivery to ensure safety. The hospital has maintained advanced medical expertise since the 1997 surgery, including ongoing research in areas like radiology for conditions such as Meniere's disease.

The successful birth marks a significant moment for both the mother and the hospital. Tangyuan's arrival follows decades of medical progress at the institution. The hospital continues to provide specialised care for complex cases, including congenital conditions and high-risk pregnancies.