perdre les eaux

You use this when a pregnancy reaches its final stage. It is a functional, descriptive phrase. You conjugate the verb perdre normally. For example, elle a perdu les eaux means her water broke. It is usually used in the third person. You rarely say it about yourself unless you are literally in labor. Keep it focused on the biological context.

Use it in a hospital or at home during a birth. Use it when telling a story about how someone was born. It fits perfectly in a medical conversation. You can use it when texting a partner that it is time to go to the clinic. It is a high-stakes moment but a very specific one. Don't use it unless there is a baby involved!

Do not use this to mean 'being brave' or 'having guts.' If you want to say someone is brave, use avoir du cran. Never use perdre les eaux in a business meeting to show strength. Do not use it to describe a hero in a movie. It will sound like the hero is about to give birth. This is a common trap for those misinterpreting the word 'waters'.

In France, birth is discussed quite naturally. This phrase has been the standard medical and common term for centuries. It reflects the liquid-filled environment of the womb. It is part of the 'grand moment' narrative in French families. Everyone remembers exactly where they were when the 'waters broke'. It is a phrase of transition and high emotion.

You might hear la rupture des eaux in a more clinical setting. Some might say la poche des eaux a percé. However, perdre les eaux remains the most common way to say it. It is simple, direct, and understood by everyone. Stick to the classic version for clarity.