Tools · Pregnancy
Contraction Timer: Time Your Labor Contractions (5-1-1 Rule)
Free contraction timer. Tap once when a contraction starts and again when it ends to track how long each lasts and how far apart they are — with rolling hourly averages and a 5-1-1 pattern alert.
Tap the button when a contraction begins.
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For general guidance only; not medical advice. If your waters break, you have bleeding, reduced baby movements, or feel something is wrong, contact your provider right away.
How to time contractions
Timing contractions tracks two things: duration (how long each contraction lasts, from start to finish) and frequency (how far apart they are, measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next). Tap the button when a contraction begins, and tap it again when it ends — the timer records both and shows your averages over the last hour.
Many care providers use the 5-1-1 rule as a general sign of active labor: contractions about 5 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, sustained for at least 1 hour. Some providers prefer 4-1-1 or have their own guidance, so follow whatever your midwife or doctor told you.
Early labor contractions are often irregular and spaced far apart; they gradually become longer, stronger, and closer together. Your data stays on your device (nothing is uploaded). This tool is a convenience, not a diagnosis — trust your body and your provider's instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 5-1-1 rule?
The 5-1-1 rule is a common guideline for when to contact your provider or head to the hospital in active labor: contractions coming about every 5 minutes, each lasting about 1 minute, continuing for at least 1 hour. Some providers use 4-1-1 (every 4 minutes) or give different instructions — always follow the specific guidance you were given, especially if you've given birth before, live far from your hospital, or have a high-risk pregnancy.
How do I time a contraction correctly?
Tap the button the moment a contraction begins and tap again the moment it fully eases off. Duration is measured from the start to the end of the same contraction. Frequency is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next one — not from the end of one to the start of the next. This timer handles both automatically.
When should I go to the hospital?
Follow your provider's instructions first. In general, call or go in when contractions meet the 5-1-1 pattern (or whatever pattern you were told), if your waters break, if you have vaginal bleeding, if you notice reduced baby movements, or if you simply feel that something is wrong. If you're less than 37 weeks and having regular contractions, contact your provider promptly.
What's the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions?
Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions are usually irregular, don't get closer together, often ease with rest, position change, or hydration, and don't increase in intensity. True labor contractions become more regular, longer, stronger, and closer together over time, and don't go away when you move or rest. If you're unsure, timing them for an hour — as this tool helps you do — often makes the pattern clear.
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