In a surprising announcement that has stirred both excitement and controversy, Brian Wong, a well-known artist, revealed on May 5, 2025, that his 58-year-old wife, Cathy Chan, is pregnant again. The couple, who previously welcomed their daughter Wong Ching Yan, affectionately known as "Little Wong Yee," six years ago when Chan was 52, is now expecting a second daughter, due in September 2025. This news has ignited discussions online, with many netizens questioning the wisdom of having children at such an advanced age.
Cathy Chan has faced criticism for her decision to become a mother again at 58, with some commenters expressing concerns about her ability to witness her children grow up and the potential burden on her young daughter to care for her parents in their old age. Responding to these criticisms, Chan emphasized that she and Wong have a comprehensive family plan and are not worried about financial stability. "We have already planned for our child's education and everything else, so we are not concerned about anything," Chan stated.
The couple's journey to this pregnancy was not without challenges. In an emotional revelation, Chan shared her experience of a miscarriage last year, during which she lost four liters of blood in a bathtub after being advised to undergo a medical abortion due to a failed pregnancy. "I was alone at home when it happened, and it was incredibly painful both physically and emotionally," she recalled. Chan's struggle with infertility spanned nine years before they successfully conceived their first child through in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 2019.
After deciding to expand their family, the couple sought medical assistance in Taiwan for their second pregnancy. Chan explained that seeing her daughter often feeling lonely prompted their decision to have another child. "She kept asking why her classmates had siblings, and I could see how much she wanted a companion," Chan said. The IVF journey was costly, amounting to approximately 200,000 HKD, but the couple was determined to make it work.
Despite the joy of their impending addition, the couple has had to navigate the complexities of public scrutiny. Wong expressed his frustration with negative comments surrounding their decision, labeling them as "old news" and calling for respect for their family's privacy. Chan's young daughter, Little Wong Yee, has shown remarkable understanding, often comforting her parents by suggesting they ignore the opinions of others.
Medical experts have weighed in on the risks associated with older mothers. Obstetrician Lam Chi-Huen highlighted that pregnancies in women over 35 carry increased risks, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. According to Lam, the ideal age for pregnancy is between 25 and 30, and women over 35 are classified as elderly mothers. He advised that women in this age group should undergo multiple prenatal checkups to ensure the health of both mother and child.
Chan's previous experience with childbirth was fraught with complications as well. During her first pregnancy, she developed eclampsia and faced a near-stroke during labor. Thankfully, both mother and daughter survived the ordeal, but it left a lasting impression on Wong, who spent three harrowing hours worrying about Chan's safety during the delivery.
As they prepare for the arrival of their second child, the couple remains optimistic despite the challenges they face. Chan has reassured those concerned about their age gap with their children, stating, "We have planned everything, including our second child's future education. We are focused on raising them well and teaching them how to think critically."
Wong and Chan's story has resonated with many, reflecting both the joys and struggles of parenthood, especially at an older age. They have become a focal point in discussions about the evolving norms surrounding family planning and the societal expectations placed on parents.
In a world where age often dictates the timeline of parenthood, Wong and Chan's decision to expand their family challenges conventional wisdom. While they acknowledge the risks involved, their commitment to their family's future shines through in their plans and aspirations.
As they await the arrival of their second daughter, the couple hopes to continue navigating the complexities of parenthood together, armed with love and a strong family bond.
