When labor begins, the two most important things to track are how long each contraction lasts (duration) and how far apart they are (frequency). This tool times both automatically.
Knowing your pattern helps you and your provider decide when it is time to go to the hospital or birth center.
The 5-1-1 guideline: Many providers recommend heading to the hospital when your contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, and this pattern has continued for 1 hour. This tool tracks all three for you. Your provider may give you different instructions, so always follow their guidance.
Your data stays on your phone. No account needed. Nothing is sent to any server. If you clear your browser or switch devices, the data will not carry over. That is fine. What matters is timing your contractions right now.
Go to the hospital immediately if: your water breaks, you have vaginal bleeding, your baby's movements decrease, you have a severe headache with vision changes, or you feel something is wrong. Do not wait to time contractions in an emergency.
A contraction is a tightening of the uterine muscle. During labor, contractions gradually become longer, stronger, and closer together. They help open (dilate) the cervix so your baby can be born.
True labor contractions come at regular intervals and get progressively closer together. They do not go away when you change position or rest. Braxton Hicks contractions (false labor) are usually irregular, do not get closer together, and often stop with rest or hydration.
Duration is how long each contraction lasts, measured from the moment you feel the tightening begin until it fully releases. Early labor contractions often last 30 to 45 seconds. Active labor contractions typically last 45 to 60 seconds or longer.
Frequency (interval) is the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. This is what "5 minutes apart" means: the interval is measured start-to-start, not end-to-start.
A widely used benchmark for when to go to the hospital for first-time mothers:
5 minutes apart (start to start), lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour.
Some providers use a 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 guideline instead. Women who have had babies before may progress faster and should discuss timing with their provider. If your provider gave you specific instructions, follow those rather than a general guideline.
No matter what your contraction pattern looks like, go to the hospital or call your provider immediately if:
Your water breaks (a gush or steady trickle of fluid). You have vaginal bleeding (more than light spotting). Your baby's movements decrease or stop. You have a severe or persistent headache with vision changes. You have severe abdominal pain that does not come and go. You are less than 37 weeks and having regular contractions (possible preterm labor). You feel that something is wrong.
Early labor can last hours. Stay at home if you and your baby are doing well. Rest when you can. Stay hydrated. Eat light meals. Take a warm shower or bath. Walk if it feels comfortable. Try to save your energy for active labor.
Use this timer periodically rather than constantly. Check your pattern every 30 to 60 minutes and note whether contractions are getting longer, stronger, and closer together.
This contraction timer was created by Dr. Amos Grunebaum, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as part of the ObGyn Intelligence project.
Your data stays on this device, in your browser. No data is sent to any server. No account is needed. If you clear your browser data or switch phones, your history will not carry over.