A YOUNG mother died after having a cardiac arrest while giving birth - and an inquest into her death is set to start this week.

Teegan Barnard also suffered a bleed while giving birth to a baby boy by emergency caesarean at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester.

The 17-year-old was left in a critical condition after the birth of little Parker - and stayed in hospital for more than two weeks.

She died at home the following month.

Her mum, Abbie Hallawell said: “It still doesn’t really seem real that what should have been the best day in Teegan’s life ended tragically and left all of our family changed forever.

“Teegan and the rest of the family were delighted when she fell pregnant. She was really looking forward to becoming a parent and she would have been an absolutely fantastic mum.

“It’s been more than two years since Teegan died but time has stood still for all our family. I know the inquest and listening to the evidence around Teegan’s death is going to be incredibly upsetting but it’s something I’ve got to do not only for Teegan, but also for Parker.

The Argus: Teegan suffered a bleed and cardiac arrest during labour, leaving her in a critical condition.Teegan suffered a bleed and cardiac arrest during labour, leaving her in a critical condition.

“Teegan would have been so proud of Parker and how he’s such a happy baby who’s developing every day. While he’ll grow up without his mum in his life he will always be told how much Teegan loved him and how she’ll always be a part of our family.”

Teegan, a pizza chef, was admitted to hospital during the third trimester of her pregnancy in 2019.

She gave birth on September 9 and remained in hospital until September 26.

Teegan died at home in Havant, Hampshire, on October 7.

Her parents are now bringing up her baby alongside his dad, Leon Forster.

Rebecca Brown, a specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: “This is a truly tragic case which saw what should have been a time of celebration for the family turn to absolute despair.

“Understandably Abbie, Trevor and the rest of the family remain devastated by Teegan’s death at such a young age and in such sudden circumstances.

"The last two years and trying to start to come to terms with Teegan’s death, all while having a number of concerns about what happened, has been incredibly difficult.

“While nothing can make up for Teegan’s death we’re determined to support the family through the inquest and help establish answers the family deserve.

“If during the course of the hearing any issues are identified it’s vital that lessons are learned.”

The inquest, which is being held at West Sussex Coroner’s Court, starts on Friday and is expected to last four days.

St Richard's Hospital have been approached for comment.