She thought she had peed on herself.

She changed her underwear.

It became wet again.

She was only 27 weeks pregnant.

When a pregnant woman’s water breaks, it does not always pour out in the dramatic gush we see in films. Sometimes it is a persistent trickle that repeatedly wets her underwear.

Urine often has its familiar smell and may escape when you cough or sneeze. Normal pregnancy discharge is commonly clear or milky and may feel creamy.

Amniotic fluid is often clear or pale. It may continue leaking even after you have emptied your bladder. These clues can help, but they cannot confirm what the fluid is.

If you think your water may be leaking, put on a clean maternity pad and contact your maternity unit or the nearest hospital with maternity services. Do not insert a tampon.

Before 37 weeks, a leak may mean that the sac surrounding the baby has opened too early. This can expose the baby to infection and may lead to premature birth.

Go urgently if the fluid is green, brown, bloody or has a bad smell. Seek help if you develop fever or abdominal pain, or your baby’s movements reduce.