A HAMPSHIRE woman is hoping an inquest today will provide answers as to why her pregnant stepdaughter died at Southampton General Hospital.

Merrisa Hutchings and her family were left devastated when 22-year-old Kelly Hutchings, from Fareham, died giving birth to her first child.

Today - more than two years later - a coroner was due to examine the circumstances of her death, which is believed to have been caused by a condition called deep cerebral venous thrombosis.

Incredibly, Kelly died at the same age and seemingly from the same condition as both her mum Shirley and aunt Sue Hickmott.

Merrisa, of Jervis Drive, Gosport, said Kelly had started to suffer from dizziness and headaches and was admitted to Southampton General Hospital's neurological unit for tests.

But her condition deteriorated and, at just over 30 weeks into her pregnancy, she went into labour.

Tragically she died in hospital before she was able to meet her newborn baby daughter Nikita, who was delivered by Caesarean section and is now being looked after by Kelly's partner Lee Blithe.

Sadly Nikita has severe disabilities, including cerebral palsy, brain damage and blindness.

Merrisa said Kelly's death had "destroyed" her father Les, who has now lost three loved ones in almost identical fashion.

In 1982, his 22-year-old sister-in-law Sue died during pregnancy and, although she gave birth, the child later died.

In 1987, his then wife Shirley died at the same age when she was six months pregnant with Kelly's brother Mark, who is now 20.

Merrisa added: "Les has been through this three times. We are wondering why history has repeated itself.

"Kelly was the type of person who would do anything for anybody in the world. She was a quiet and shy person, who was gentle and loved looking after children.

"When the doctors told her what was wrong with her, all she said was I want to see my baby'.

"She would have been a fantastic mum."

The inquest was due to take place over three days at Southampton's Old Magistrates' Court.