Contraction Timer
Time your contractions easily and for free. Press at the start of each contraction, then press again when it ends. The tool automatically calculates the duration, interval, and alerts you according to the 5-1-1 rule.
History
| # | Start | Duration | Interval |
|---|
The 5-1-1 rule: when to go to the hospital?
The 5-1-1 rule is a simple guideline recommended by many healthcare professionals to know when it is time to go to the hospital. It is summarized by three criteria:
- 5 minutes: your contractions are coming every 5 minutes or less
- 1 minute: each contraction lasts at least 1 minute
- 1 hour: this pattern has been repeating regularly for at least 1 hour
When all three conditions are met, active labor has likely begun. This contraction timer automatically monitors your data and alerts you when the 5-1-1 rule is detected. Of course, every pregnancy is unique: when in doubt, always contact your midwife or hospital.
How to time your contractions?
Timing your contractions is essential for assessing labor progress. Here is how to use this tool:
- Step 1: When a contraction begins (your belly tightens and you feel pain), press the central button.
- Step 2: When the contraction ends (the belly relaxes, the pain diminishes), press the button again.
- Step 3: Wait for the next contraction and repeat the process.
- Step 4: The tool automatically calculates the duration of each contraction and the interval between them.
It is recommended to time your contractions for at least one hour to get reliable data. The average duration and interval are displayed automatically, and the complete history is saved locally on your device.
Difference between real and false contractions
It is common to confuse Braxton-Hicks contractions (false contractions) with real labor contractions, especially late in pregnancy. Here is how to tell them apart:
False contractions (Braxton-Hicks):
- Irregular and unpredictable in frequency
- Generally painless or only slightly uncomfortable
- Do not become progressively more intense
- Go away with rest, a change of position, or hydration
- Are felt mostly in the front of the belly
Real labor contractions:
- Regular and increasingly frequent
- Longer and more intense over time
- Do not go away with rest or a change of position
- Pain often starts in the back and radiates to the front
- May be accompanied by the loss of the mucus plug or water breaking
When in doubt, use this timer to check if your contractions are regular. If they become regular and increasingly frequent, contact your healthcare provider.