About the Contraction Timer
This contraction timer lets you tap once when a contraction starts and again when it ends. It records each contraction’s length and how far apart they are (measured from the start of one to the start of the next), averages the last hour, and tells you when your pattern matches the 5-1-1 rule: contractions about 5 minutes apart, lasting about 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour.
It is built for expectant parents and birth partners in early labor who want a clear record to share with a midwife, doctor or labor ward on the phone. Your timings stay in your browser on this device so a page refresh does not lose them. If you already know your averages, use the calculator below it to check them against the 5-1-1, 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 rule and see which stage of labor they usually suggest.
The 5-1-1 rule is a widely used rule of thumb for a first baby at full term, not an official standard: MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) advises contacting your provider for regular, painful contractions every 5 to 10 minutes for 60 minutes, or contractions lasting 60 to 90 seconds, and many providers use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 for later babies or ask you to come sooner if you live far away. Always follow your own care team’s instructions, and call straight away if your waters break, you have bleeding, reduced baby movements, severe constant pain, or you are under 37 weeks.
How to use the contraction timer
- 1Tap “Start contraction” as soon as you feel the tightening begin.
- 2Tap “End contraction” when it fades completely.
- 3Repeat for each contraction — the timer keeps a log and averages the last hour.
- 4Watch the 5-1-1 check; when it is met, or your provider’s rule is met, call them.
- 5Read the averages and log to your midwife or doctor when you phone in.
Formula and method
Contraction frequency is always measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next, so it includes the contraction itself plus the rest period. Duration runs from the start to the end of a single contraction. The timer averages both over the contractions that began in the last 60 minutes. For the “1 hour” part, the live timer is a simple heuristic: it counts the pattern as held once your log spans at least an hour since the first contraction you recorded and at least 6 contractions fall in the last 60 minutes. It does not check that every contraction in that hour met the rule, so read the log as well.
The 5-1-1 rule is met when contractions come every 5 minutes or less, each lasts about a minute or longer, and that pattern has continued for at least an hour. The 4-1-1 and 3-1-1 variants simply tighten the frequency. Stage labels are general patterns (early labor: longer gaps and shorter contractions; active: 3–5 minutes apart, 45–60+ seconds; transition: 2–3 minutes apart, 60–90 seconds) and are not a clinical assessment.
- Frequency
- Minutes from the start of one contraction to the start of the next
- Duration
- Seconds from the start to the end of a contraction
- Rest
- Frequency − duration: the break between contractions
Worked examples
1 minute long, 5 minutes apart for an hour
Contractions lasting 60 seconds that start every 5 minutes, sustained for 60 minutes, satisfy all three parts of the 5-1-1 rule. That is 12 contractions an hour with 4 minutes (240 seconds) of rest between each.
Early labor: 40 seconds every 8 minutes
Only the “lasting an hour” criterion is met: 8 minutes apart is more than 5, and 40 seconds is shorter than a minute. That is 7.5 contractions an hour with 7 min 20 s of rest — typical of early labor, when resting at home is usually advised.
Second baby, provider uses 4-1-1
At 4.5 minutes apart the pattern is not yet within 4 minutes, and it has lasted 45 of the required 60 minutes, so only the length criterion (70 s ≥ 60 s) is met. There are about 13.3 contractions per hour with 200 seconds of rest between them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 5-1-1 rule for contractions?+
It means contractions coming every 5 minutes (start to start), each lasting about 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. It is a common rule of thumb for when to call your provider or go to the hospital or birth center with a first baby; MedlinePlus advises calling for regular, painful contractions every 5 to 10 minutes for an hour.
How do you time contractions correctly?+
Time the length from when a contraction starts until it ends, and time the frequency from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Timing from the end of one to the start of the next is a common mistake that makes them seem further apart.
How can I tell real labor from Braxton Hicks contractions?+
True labor contractions get longer, stronger and closer together over time and do not stop when you rest, change position or drink water. Braxton Hicks tend to be irregular, stay mild and often fade with rest.
When should I go to the hospital before reaching 5-1-1?+
Go or call right away if your waters break, you have bright red bleeding, your baby is moving less, you have a fever, severe constant pain, or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant — regardless of contraction timing.
Is the 5-1-1 rule the same for a second baby?+
Labor is often faster with second and later babies, so many providers suggest 4-1-1 or even calling at a looser pattern, especially if you live far from the hospital. Ask your care team what rule they want you to use.
Does this contraction timer save my data?+
Timings are stored only in your own browser on this device so they survive a refresh. Nothing is sent to a server; use Reset to clear the log when you are done.
This tool gives general estimates and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or qualified professional about your health, diet or training.