Track contractions accurately
Automatically measure the average contraction length, interval, and number of contractions per hour.
Trusted by Expecting Parents
Track your
contractions
with ease and
peace of mind
Your reliable companion during labor. The easiest way to time your contractions, stay calm, and know exactly when it's time to go to the hospital.
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Know when it’s time to go to the hospital
Labor contractions can be confusing, especially in the early stage. Our contraction timer analyzes the duration, frequency, and pattern of contractions to help you understand what stage of labor you are in and when it’s time to go to the hospital.
Understand your labor stage
See how your contraction pattern changes as labor progresses.
We’ll notify you when it’s time to head to the hospital
Clear contraction patterns help you decide when it’s time to leave.
The Anatomy of a Contraction
Understanding the rhythm of a contraction helps you work with your body rather than against it.
Increment
The building phase where the muscle fibers of the uterus tighten and intensify.
Acme
The peak intensity of the contraction. This is the shortest but most powerful part.
Decrement
The fading phase where the uterus relaxes, allowing for rest before the next wave.
Understanding Your Contractions
Learn the patterns and phases of labor to stay informed and calm.
Braxton Hicks vs. Real Labor
It can be hard to tell the difference. Braxton Hicks (false labor) are typically irregular, don't get closer together over time, and often stop with movement or hydration.
True labor contractions follow a predictable pattern. They get longer, stronger, and closer together (frequency increases). As shown in the diagrams, real labor involves a distinct increment, acme (peak), and decrement phase that builds intensity consistently.
Key Differences:
- False Labor: Discomfort usually felt only in the front of the abdomen.
- True Labor: Pain often starts in the lower back and wraps around to the front.
The 5-1-1 Rule
When to head to the hospital
According to standard obstetric guidelines and healthcare providers worldwide, the 5-1-1 rule is a reliable indicator that you are in active labor and should head to the hospital.
5
Minutes Apart
Your contractions are coming every 5 minutes.
1
Minute Long
Each contraction lasts for at least 1 minute.
1
Hour Duration
This pattern has been happening for 1 full hour.
Check Your 5-1-1 Status
Enter your current contraction data to see if it's time.
minutes
seconds
minutes
This is an educational tool, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Always consult your healthcare provider for final advice.
How to Time Your Contractions
1
The Start
Tap Start the exact moment you feel the contraction tightening begin.
2
The Duration
Breathe through it. Wait until the sensation completely subsides and tap Stop.
3
The Frequency
Relax while we automatically calculate the Interval between your contractions.
3Quantity per hour
0:35Average length
22:51Average interval
How to Time Your Contractions
01
Start Time
Record exactly when the tension begins. Keep a log or use our built-in tracker for accuracy.
02
End Time
Note when the contraction fully subsides. This marks the end of one peak cycle.
03
Duration
Calculate the length of the contraction. Active labor typically aims for 45-60s.
04
Frequency
Measure the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
05
Action
Follow the 5-1-1 rule. If your data matches this pattern, head to the hospital immediately.
Stages of Dilation
What to expect as you transition through labor
Early Labor
0-6 cm Dilation. This stage can last hours or days. Stay home, rest, and stay hydrated.
Duration:30-45 seconds
Frequency:5-30 minutes
1
2
Active Labor
6-8 cm Dilation. Contractions are stronger and more frequent. Time to head to the hospital.
Duration:45-60 seconds
Frequency:3-5 minutes
Transition
8-10 cm Dilation. The most intense phase but the shortest. You are almost there!
Duration:60-90 seconds
Frequency:1-3 minutes
3
Track from your wrist
During active labor, grabbing your phone might be the last thing on your mind. Our Apple Watch companion app lets you record contractions with a single tap, right from your wrist.
- Quick-start complications for watch faces
- Haptic feedback for timing confirmation
- Instant sync with your iPhone history
Why Parents Trust Us
Private & Secure
Your data stays on your device. No account required.
Built for Labor
Designed for use during real contractions — large buttons, dark mode.
Instant Tracking
One-tap timing with automatic frequency and duration calculations.
5-1-1 Rule Alerts
Know exactly when it's time to head to the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short practical answers about timing contractions and knowing when to go to the hospital.
When should I start timing my contractions?
Start timing when you feel regular, recurring abdominal tightenings or cramps. It is especially important to time them when they become noticeably stronger, longer, and closer together.
What is the 5-1-1 Rule?
The 5-1-1 rule is a common guideline indicating it is time to head to the hospital or call your provider.
It means your contractions are at least 5 minutes apart, each lasts for at least 1 minute, and this pattern has been consistent for at least 1 hour.
What is the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions?
Braxton Hicks are usually irregular, do not increase in intensity, and often subside with rest or hydration.
Real contractions are regular, grow stronger and closer together over time, and do not stop when you change positions or rest.
How do I measure the frequency and duration?
Duration is timed from the very beginning of one contraction to the end of that same contraction.
Frequency is timed from the start of one contraction to the start of the next contraction. Our app calculates both automatically so you do not have to do the math.
Should I track every single contraction?
You do not need to track every single one. If they are mild and irregular, you can just rest and stay hydrated.
Start tracking continuously when they become uncomfortable, regular, and you want to see if a pattern like 5-1-1 is emerging.
+2k
"A lifesaver for expectant parents"
“This app made tracking so much easier! It practically told us when to head to the hospital. A must-have.”
“Clear, simple, and exactly what we needed during labor. The 5-1-1 alert gave us peace of mind.”
“Love the dark mode for middle-of-the-night tracking. It is so intuitive, even through the pain.”
Ready for the big moment?
Download Contraction Timer now and be fully prepared when the time comes.
Download on theApp Store