Chelsea Gowar, 26, and her partner Oliver Thompson have shared the heartbreaking story of their daughter Bonnie Thompson, who was born prematurely at just 26 weeks and two days in September 2025 and sadly passed away in November 2025.

After years of trying and enduring seven devastating miscarriages, the couple were overjoyed when they finally conceived Bonnie in April 2025. “We were overjoyed – we thought this time everything would finally be different after so much loss,” Chelsea said.

But around six months into the pregnancy, Chelsea began experiencing severe headaches, visual disturbances, raised blood pressure, reduced fetal movements, and felt extremely unwell — classic red-flag symptoms of pre-eclampsia. She attended triage at Worthing Hospital three days in a row, only to be repeatedly sent home. Staff attributed her concerns to anxiety, despite her history of pregnancy loss.

It was only on the fourth visit that her condition was taken seriously. Monitors quickly showed the baby was in distress. Chelsea had swelling, protein in her urine, and high blood pressure. A scan revealed reduced blood flow to the placenta, but her case wasn’t escalated promptly. She waited another three days before an emergency caesarean section at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.

Bonnie spent time in intensive care before being transferred back to Worthing Hospital. Her parents say they faced patronising, dismissive, and confrontational care. Staff allegedly failed to communicate properly when Bonnie developed sepsis or needed blood transfusions, and the couple felt excluded from decisions about their daughter’s care. Bonnie tragically died shortly after receiving a blood transfusion. The exact cause is still under investigation.

Chelsea and Oliver have spoken out as a major national review into NHS maternity services was published, highlighting systemic failures where women’s concerns are too often ignored. Chelsea said: “We need to create a culture where women genuinely feel heard and respected throughout their care.”

The family is pursuing legal action against University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust for medical negligence.

This tragic case underscores the importance of listening to mothers — especially those with high-risk pregnancies — and treating their instincts and symptoms with the seriousness they deserve.