Contraction Timer
Track your contractions to know when it's time to go to the hospital
Ready to Time
Press start when contraction begins
When to Go to the Hospital
The 5-1-1 Rule (First-Time Mothers)
Go to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, and this pattern continues for at least 1 hour.
The 4-1-1 Rule (Subsequent Births)
If this isn't your first baby, use the 4-1-1 rule: contractions 4 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour. Labor often progresses faster in subsequent pregnancies.
⚠️ Go Immediately If You Experience:
- Water breaking (especially if fluid is green or brown)
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain between contractions
- Decreased fetal movement
- Severe headache or vision changes
Contraction Timer FAQs
What's the difference between true labor and false labor (Braxton Hicks)?
True labor contractions become progressively stronger, longer, and closer together over time. They don't go away with rest or position changes. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, don't increase in intensity, and often stop with movement or hydration. True labor contractions also typically start in the back and radiate forward, while Braxton Hicks are usually felt only in the front.
How do I time contractions correctly?
Start timing when you feel the contraction begin (when your uterus starts tightening). Stop when the contraction ends and your uterus relaxes. The time between contractions (frequency) is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction, not from end to start. Track at least 5-6 contractions to identify a pattern.
What if my water breaks before contractions start?
If your water breaks, contact your healthcare provider immediately, even if contractions haven't started. Note the time it broke and the color/amount of fluid. Most providers want you at the hospital within 24 hours of water breaking to reduce infection risk. Labor usually begins within 24 hours of water breaking, but you shouldn't wait to contact your provider.
How long does early labor typically last?
Early labor (when the cervix dilates from 0-6 cm) can last anywhere from hours to days, especially for first-time mothers. Contractions during early labor are typically 5-20 minutes apart and last 30-45 seconds. Active labor (6-10 cm dilation) progresses more quickly, with contractions 3-5 minutes apart lasting 45-60 seconds. Every labor is different, so timing can vary significantly.
Should I call my doctor before going to the hospital?
Yes, always call your healthcare provider or the hospital labor and delivery unit before heading in, unless you're experiencing an emergency (heavy bleeding, severe pain, water breaking with green fluid, etc.). Your provider can give you personalized guidance based on your contraction pattern, pregnancy history, and individual circumstances. They may have you come in, or recommend waiting a bit longer at home.
Understanding Labor Contractions and When to Seek Care
Labor contractions are the rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscles that help dilate the cervix and push your baby through the birth canal. Recognizing true labor contractions and tracking their patterns helps you determine the optimal time to head to the hospital - not too early when you might be sent home, and not too late when labor is too advanced.
Our contraction timer simplifies this tracking by automatically calculating contraction duration and the time between contractions (frequency). These two measurements are crucial indicators of labor progression. As labor advances, contractions typically become longer, stronger, and closer together. The timer helps you identify these patterns objectively, removing guesswork during an already stressful time.
Many first-time parents struggle to differentiate between early labor (which can often be managed at home) and active labor (when hospital admission is appropriate). By tracking your contractions systematically, you'll have concrete data to discuss with your healthcare provider, enabling them to give you accurate guidance about when to come to the hospital.
The Stages of Labor and Contraction Patterns
Labor progresses through distinct stages, each with characteristic contraction patterns. Early labor (latent phase) involves the cervix dilating from 0-6 centimeters. During this phase, contractions are typically irregular, ranging from 5-20 minutes apart and lasting 30-45 seconds. This stage can last hours or even days, particularly for first-time mothers. Many women find they can still talk through early labor contractions.
Active labor begins when the cervix reaches about 6 centimeters dilation and continues until full dilation at 10 centimeters. Contractions during active labor are noticeably stronger, occurring 3-5 minutes apart and lasting 45-60 seconds or longer. Women in active labor typically cannot talk through contractions and need to focus on breathing techniques. This is usually when hospital admission occurs, as labor is progressing rapidly.
The transition phase (8-10 cm dilation) brings the most intense contractions - occurring 2-3 minutes apart and lasting 60-90 seconds. These contractions may have multiple peaks and feel overwhelming. Fortunately, transition is typically the shortest phase, lasting 15 minutes to an hour. After full dilation comes the pushing stage, where contractions continue but may space out slightly, giving you rest periods between pushes.
Understanding these stages helps you contextualize what you're experiencing. If your contractions are 10 minutes apart and manageable, you're likely in early labor and can probably stay home. If they're 4 minutes apart, very painful, and lasting a minute, you're likely in active labor and should head to the hospital. Our timer helps you track these progressions objectively.
Using Contraction Data to Make Informed Decisions
The 5-1-1 rule (contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour) is a widely-used guideline for first-time mothers to know when to head to the hospital. However, this isn't a universal rule - your healthcare provider may give you different instructions based on your medical history, pregnancy complications, distance from the hospital, or previous birth experiences.
Women who have given birth before often use the 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 rule because subsequent labors typically progress faster. If this isn't your first baby, don't wait as long - your body remembers the labor process, and you may dilate more rapidly. Some women who had quick first labors are instructed to come to the hospital at the first sign of regular contractions.
Distance from the hospital also affects timing decisions. If you live an hour away, you'll need to leave earlier than someone who lives 10 minutes away. Traffic patterns matter too - if you're laboring during rush hour, factor in extra travel time. Discuss these logistics with your provider during pregnancy so you have a clear plan when labor begins.
Beyond contraction timing, other factors influence when to seek care. If your water breaks, contact your provider immediately regardless of contractions. If you have risk factors like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or a baby in breech position, you may need earlier evaluation. Always trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, call your provider even if your contractions don't fit the typical pattern.
Keep your contraction data handy when you call your provider or arrive at the hospital. Healthcare providers will ask about contraction frequency, duration, and how long the pattern has been established. Having this information ready helps them assess your labor stage and make appropriate care decisions. Our timer makes it easy to provide accurate, detailed information.
Preparing for baby's arrival? Use our due date calculator to know when to expect labor, or check our pregnancy week calculator to see exactly how far along you are and when you'll be considered full-term.