Tool

Contraction Timer

Track how long your contractions last and how far apart they are, so you know when it is time to head in. Press start when a contraction begins and stop when it ends. The timer works out your pattern and checks it against the 5-1-1 rule.

Press START when your contraction begins.

Total contractions

Average duration

Average frequency

Last hour

Contraction pattern

Bar height shows how long each contraction lasted. Colour shows how close together they are.

Start timing contractions to see the pattern.

Contraction history

No contractions recorded yet. Press START when your contraction begins.

Not written your plan yet? Create your birth plan: a personalised plan, partner cheat sheet, and hospital bag checklist from your answers.

When to go to hospital

The 5-1-1 rule:

Contractions every 5 minutes or less
Each one lasting 1 minute or longer
The pattern holding steady for 1 hour

For a second or later baby, labour can move faster. Consider 5-1-1, or head in once contractions are regular and painful, unless your care provider has told you otherwise.

Also call if:

Your waters break (clear, pink, or greenish fluid)
You have heavy bleeding, more than light spotting
Your baby's movements slow down noticeably
You have severe, constant pain
You have any concern about yourself or your baby

Timing tips

Start the timer at the very beginning of a contraction.
Stop it when the contraction has completely eased.
Frequency is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
In early labour, contractions may be irregular. That is normal.
In active labour, they become longer, stronger, and more regular.

How to use the contraction timer

Press Start when you feel a contraction beginning.
Press Stop when the contraction has completely eased.
The timer works out the duration and the frequency for you.
Keep timing to build up a picture of your pattern.
Watch for the 5-1-1 pattern, or follow your provider's specific advice.

Understanding contraction patterns

Early labour

Contractions: 30 to 45 seconds long
Frequency: 5 to 30 minutes apart
Intensity: mild to moderate
What to do: rest, eat lightly, stay hydrated

Active labour

Contractions: 45 to 60 seconds long
Frequency: 3 to 5 minutes apart
Intensity: strong and regular
What to do: head to your hospital or birth centre

Transition

Contractions: 60 to 90 seconds long
Frequency: 2 to 3 minutes apart
Intensity: very strong
What to do: you should already be at your birth location

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions?

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, usually painless, and tend to ease off when you move, rest, or drink water. Real labour contractions come in a pattern, grow longer, stronger, and closer together over time, and do not settle when you change what you are doing. If timing shows a steady, tightening pattern, it is more likely to be the real thing.

Should I time every single contraction?

No. In early labour you only need to time a run of contractions now and then to see whether a pattern is forming. Once contractions feel regular and strong, time them for about an hour so you can check them against the 5-1-1 rule. Trying to time every contraction through a long early labour will wear you out.

What if my contractions don't follow the 5-1-1 rule?

5-1-1 is a guide, not a rule for everyone. Second and later babies can arrive quickly, so many care providers suggest going in sooner. Always follow the specific advice your midwife or hospital has given you, and call them if you are unsure, if your waters break, or if anything does not feel right.

Can I save my contraction data?

Yes. Your history is saved on this device automatically, so you can close the page or lock your phone and pick up where you left off. You can also export it as a CSV file to keep a copy or share it with your midwife. Nothing is sent to us or stored on our servers.

Related resources

This tool is a guide only and does not replace advice from your midwife, doctor, or hospital. Every labour is different. If you are unsure, in pain, or worried about yourself or your baby, call your care provider or hospital straight away.