Contraction Timer: Track Your Labor Journey
Accurately time contraction frequency and duration to help you recognize true labor and know when to head to the hospital.
This contraction timer is for educational purposes only and does NOT replace professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions about when to go to the hospital. If your water breaks, you're bleeding, you have severe pain, or you have any concerns about your baby or your labor, call your provider or go to the hospital immediately—do not wait to time contractions.
Interactive Contraction Timer
Press the button when you feel a contraction start, then press again when it ends.
Understanding Contractions: Your Body's Amazing Work
Contractions are one of the most powerful and profound experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. They're your body's way of preparing for and accomplishing the incredible task of bringing your baby into the world. Understanding what contractions are, how to recognize true labor, and when to seek medical care can help you feel more confident and empowered as you approach your baby's birth day.
A contraction is the tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscles. During pregnancy, you may experience different types of contractions—some are practice runs (Braxton Hicks), while others signal that labor is beginning or progressing. Learning to distinguish between these types and accurately tracking their patterns is an important skill as you prepare for delivery.
How to Use This Contraction Timer Tool
Our contraction timer is designed to be simple and intuitive to use, even when you're experiencing discomfort or feeling anxious. Here's how it works:
- When a contraction begins: Click or tap the "Start Contraction" button as soon as you feel the contraction starting. The timer will begin tracking the duration.
- When the contraction ends: Click or tap the button again (now labeled "End Contraction") when the contraction subsides and your uterus relaxes. The tool will automatically record the duration.
- Automatic tracking: The timer automatically calculates two critical measurements:
- Duration: How long each contraction lasts (from start to finish)
- Frequency: How far apart contractions are (from the start of one to the start of the next)
- Review your history: The tool maintains a running history of your recent contractions, making it easy to identify patterns and share information with your healthcare team.
- Pattern alerts: If your contractions match the 5-1-1 pattern, the tool will alert you that it may be time to contact your provider or head to the hospital.
- Clear when needed: Use the "Clear History" button to start fresh if you've had a break in contractions or want to begin a new tracking session.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips for Timing Contractions
- Have your partner or support person help with timing so you can focus on breathing and coping
- Note the time of day—contractions often intensify in evening/night
- Track for at least an hour to establish a clear pattern
- Don't stress about being exact to the second—close is good enough
- Trust your body's signals even more than the timer
Braxton Hicks vs. True Labor Contractions: How to Tell the Difference
One of the most common questions expectant mothers ask in the third trimester is: "How do I know if these are real contractions or just Braxton Hicks?" It's a valid and important question, and even experienced mothers can sometimes be unsure.
Braxton Hicks Contractions (Practice Contractions)
Named after the English doctor who first described them, Braxton Hicks contractions are your uterus's way of preparing for the main event. They can start as early as the second trimester but become more noticeable in the third trimester. Characteristics include:
- Irregular timing: They don't establish a consistent pattern or rhythm
- Vary in intensity: Some may feel strong, others barely noticeable, without a progressive increase
- Stop with activity changes: Often subside if you change position, walk around, or rest
- Respond to hydration: May decrease or stop after drinking water
- Felt in the front: Usually felt in the front of the abdomen, not the back
- No cervical change: Don't cause your cervix to dilate (though you can't tell this without an exam)
True Labor Contractions
True labor contractions are the real deal—they're working to dilate your cervix and bring your baby down the birth canal. Characteristics include:
- Regular and predictable: They establish a pattern and occur at increasingly regular intervals
- Progressive: They become longer, stronger, and closer together over time
- Don't stop with changes: Continue regardless of position changes, movement, or rest
- Intensify over time: Each contraction becomes more intense than the last
- Start in the back: Often begin as lower back pain that wraps around to the front
- Cause cervical change: They're doing the work of opening your cervix
If you're still uncertain after tracking for a while, don't hesitate to call your healthcare provider. They can ask specific questions to help you determine what's happening, and they'd much rather you call than wait at home worrying.
The 5-1-1 Rule (and When to Go to the Hospital)
The 5-1-1 rule is one of the most commonly taught guidelines for when to head to the hospital or birthing center for labor and delivery. Here's what it means:
- 5 minutes apart: Contractions are occurring every 5 minutes (measured from the start of one to the start of the next)
- 1 minute long: Each contraction lasts at least 1 full minute
- 1 hour duration: This pattern has been consistent for at least 1 hour
Important note: Some healthcare providers use the 4-1-1 rule (contractions 4 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour), especially for second or subsequent pregnancies when labor often progresses more quickly. Always follow the specific guidance your provider has given you.
Other Reasons to Go to the Hospital Immediately
🚨 Go to the Hospital or Call 911 Immediately If:
- Your water breaks (whether it's a gush or a trickle), especially if the fluid is greenish or brownish
- You're bleeding (more than light spotting)
- You have severe abdominal pain that doesn't ease between contractions
- Your baby's movement decreases or stops
- You have severe headache, vision changes, or significant swelling (possible signs of preeclampsia)
- You feel the umbilical cord in your vagina or see it protruding
- You have a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
- You're having regular contractions before 37 weeks (possible preterm labor)
- Your instincts tell you something is wrong
These situations require immediate medical attention. Do not wait to time contractions or call your provider first—go directly to the hospital or call emergency services.
The Stages of Labor: What to Expect
Understanding the stages of labor can help you know what to expect and when you're progressing through the birth process.
Stage One: Early Labor and Active Labor
Early Labor (Latent Phase): Your cervix dilates from 0 to 3-4 cm. Contractions are mild to moderate, irregular or becoming regular, and may last 30-60 seconds. This phase can last hours or even days, especially for first-time mothers. Many women stay home during early labor, resting and staying hydrated.
Active Labor: Your cervix dilates from 4 to 7 cm. Contractions become longer (60-90 seconds), stronger, and more regular (typically 3-5 minutes apart). This is usually when the 5-1-1 rule kicks in and you head to the hospital. Active labor typically lasts 3-6 hours for first-time mothers.
Transition: Your cervix dilates from 8 to 10 cm (fully dilated). This is typically the most intense phase. Contractions are very strong, lasting 60-90 seconds, and coming every 2-3 minutes. Transition usually lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Stage Two: Pushing and Birth
Once you're fully dilated, you'll begin pushing with contractions to help your baby move down the birth canal and be born. This stage can last minutes to several hours.
Stage Three: Delivery of the Placenta
After your baby is born, you'll have a few more contractions to deliver the placenta. This typically takes 5-30 minutes.
For detailed information on labor stages and what to expect, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) provides excellent, evidence-based resources.
Special Considerations
Second and Subsequent Pregnancies
If this isn't your first baby, labor typically progresses more quickly. Your provider may recommend going to the hospital earlier—perhaps using the 4-1-1 rule instead of 5-1-1, or even earlier. Don't wait as long as you did with your first baby.
High-Risk Pregnancies
If you have a high-risk pregnancy (multiples, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, previous C-section, etc.), your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions that may differ from standard guidelines. Always follow your personalized care plan.
Preterm Labor
Regular contractions before 37 weeks could indicate preterm labor. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Regular contractions (even if painless) before 37 weeks
- Pelvic pressure or lower back pain
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Abdominal cramping
Frequently Asked Questions About Contractions
The 5-1-1 rule is a general guideline for when to go to the hospital or birthing center: contractions are 5 minutes apart, each lasting at least 1 minute, and this pattern has continued for at least 1 hour. Some providers use the 4-1-1 rule. However, this is just a guideline—always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions, and go to the hospital immediately if your water breaks, you're bleeding, or you have any concerns.
Time contractions in two ways: Duration (from the start of one contraction to when it ends) and Frequency (from the start of one contraction to the start of the next). Use our contraction timer to automatically track both measurements. The frequency is the more important number for determining labor progress.
Braxton Hicks (practice contractions) are typically irregular, don't increase in intensity, often stop with movement or hydration, and are usually felt in the front of the abdomen. True labor contractions become progressively longer, stronger, and closer together; don't stop with position changes; often start in the lower back and wrap around to the front; and continue to intensify over time.
Start timing when you notice a pattern of regular contractions that feel different from Braxton Hicks. If contractions are becoming stronger, longer, and more regular, it's time to start tracking. There's no harm in tracking early—it helps you learn the pattern and determine if this is true labor.
Follow the 5-1-1 or 4-1-1 rule (as advised by your provider), but go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY if: your water breaks, you're bleeding, you have severe pain, you notice decreased fetal movement, you have a severe headache or vision changes, or you simply feel something is wrong. If this is not your first baby, labor may progress faster—your provider may give you different timing guidelines.
Yes. Braxton Hicks contractions can occur throughout pregnancy, becoming more frequent in the third trimester. These practice contractions help your body prepare for labor but don't dilate your cervix. If you're unsure whether contractions are Braxton Hicks or true labor, contact your healthcare provider—they can help you determine what's happening.
Irregular contractions are often Braxton Hicks or early labor. True labor contractions typically establish a regular pattern over time. However, some women do experience irregular contractions even in active labor. If you're uncertain, in pain, or concerned, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
No need to time every single contraction you feel, especially early on. Start timing when contractions become regular, more intense, or when you think labor might be starting. Timing for an hour or so will give you a good sense of the pattern.
Regular contractions before 37 weeks could indicate preterm labor. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you're experiencing regular contractions before full term, especially if accompanied by pelvic pressure, back pain, or changes in vaginal discharge. Early intervention can sometimes prevent preterm delivery.
Labor duration varies widely. For first-time mothers, active labor typically lasts 6-12 hours (though it can be shorter or longer). For mothers who have given birth before, labor is often shorter. Every labor is unique, and many factors affect duration. Your healthcare team will monitor your progress throughout labor.