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Printed on 6/29/2026
For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.
This live contraction timer helps expectant parents and healthcare providers track contraction duration and frequency during labor. It calculates average duration and interval, helping determine when to go to the hospital using the 5-1-1 rule (contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour).
Formula: Duration = end − start of each contraction. Frequency = time between contraction starts.
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Tap the START button when a contraction begins and STOP when it ends. The duration in seconds is recorded for each contraction. Repeat for each contraction.
The frequency (interval) is calculated from the START of one contraction to the START of the next — not from end to start. Tracking start-to-start is the clinical standard for contraction frequency.
Active labor is indicated when contractions are every 5 minutes or less, lasting 60 seconds or more, for at least 1 hour (the 5-1-1 rule). When you reach this pattern, contact your provider or proceed to the hospital.
Laboring women
Track contraction duration and frequency at home during early labor to determine when the 5-1-1 active labor pattern is reached and when to go to the hospital.
L&D nurses
Document contraction patterns during triage to distinguish early labor from active labor and prodromal labor, supporting the clinical decision on admission versus discharge to home.
Doulas
Support laboring clients at home by tracking contraction patterns objectively, communicating progress to the obstetric team, and advising on timing of hospital transport.
Midwives
Monitor contraction patterns during planned home birth to document labor progression, identify deviations from normal labor curves, and determine timing of hospital transfer if needed.
OB educators
Use the contraction timer as a teaching tool to help patients understand the 5-1-1 rule, distinguish true labor from prodromal (false) labor, and recognize emergency signs requiring immediate hospital evaluation.
The standard active labor indicator is contractions every 5 minutes or less, lasting 60 seconds or more, sustained for at least 1 hour. Some providers use 4-1-1 for first-time mothers far from the hospital. Consult your provider about their specific recommendation for your situation.
Prodromal labor (false labor) features contractions that are irregular, may be painful, but do not progressively increase in frequency, duration, or intensity. A short walk often helps differentiate — prodromal contractions typically decrease or stop with activity; true labor contractions intensify.
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular practice contractions that can start as early as the second trimester. They are typically painless or mildly uncomfortable, irregular, and usually stop with rest, position change, or hydration. They do not follow the progressive pattern of true labor.
Early (latent) labor features contractions every 5–20 minutes that gradually become closer together. Duration is typically 30–45 seconds. The cervix dilates from 0 to 6 cm during this phase. Early labor can last many hours in first-time mothers and is typically managed at home.
Active labor begins at approximately 6 cm cervical dilation (ACOG/SMFM 2014 definition). Contractions are every 2–5 minutes, lasting 45–60+ seconds, and are intense and regular. This is typically when hospital admission is appropriate.
Contraction frequency is always measured from the START of one contraction to the START of the next — not from end to start. This is the universal clinical standard. 'Contractions 5 minutes apart' means 5 minutes from the start of one to the start of the next.
If your water breaks (rupture of membranes), go to the hospital immediately regardless of contraction pattern or timing. Reasons include: risk of umbilical cord prolapse, infection risk (chorioamnionitis after prolonged rupture), and need for GBS prophylaxis if GBS positive.
If fluid is green or brown after water breaks, this may indicate meconium in the amniotic fluid — go to the hospital immediately. Meconium aspiration by the newborn can cause serious respiratory problems requiring immediate neonatal management.
Fetal movement monitoring remains important during labor. If you notice significantly reduced or absent fetal movement, contact your provider or go to the hospital immediately for fetal monitoring (non-stress test), regardless of contraction pattern.
Labor pain management options include: epidural analgesia (the gold standard for complete pain relief), IV opioids (fentanyl, morphine — provide partial relief), nitrous oxide (safe, reduces anxiety), hydrotherapy (warm water immersion reduces pain), and non-epidural regional techniques (spinal, pudendal block).
5-1-1 rule for active labor endorsed by ACOG Committee Opinion 766 (2019). Active labor definition (cervix 6 cm) per ACOG/SMFM Obstetric Care Consensus (2014). Early vs active labor physiology: Zhang et al. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010). Braxton Hicks vs true labor: Simkin (Birth 1991). Rupture of membranes management: ACOG Practice Bulletin 188 (2018). Labor pain management options: ACOG Committee Opinion 742 (2018).
Your contraction data shows the average duration and frequency of contractions over your tracking session. Contractions lasting 30–45 seconds and occurring every 15–20 minutes typically indicate early labor (latent phase), which can last many hours and is generally managed at home with rest, hydration, and comfort measures. As labor progresses to the active phase, contractions become longer (45–60 seconds), stronger, and more frequent (every 3–5 minutes). Transition phase contractions last 60–90 seconds and occur every 2–3 minutes.
The 5-1-1 rule — contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, sustained for 1 hour — is the most widely cited guideline for when to go to the hospital. However, some providers recommend 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 depending on distance to the hospital, parity (first-time mothers vs. multiparous), and obstetric history.
Use this contraction timer when you begin to feel regular uterine contractions and want to track their pattern. It is most useful during the transition from prodromal (Braxton Hicks) contractions to true labor, helping you distinguish between irregular practice contractions and the progressively regular pattern of active labor.
This tool is designed for term pregnancies (37+ weeks). If you experience regular contractions before 37 weeks, contact your provider immediately regardless of the pattern, as this may indicate preterm labor. The timer is also useful for healthcare providers monitoring patients in triage or early labor assessment units.
This timer tracks duration and frequency but cannot assess contraction strength or cervical change, which are the definitive indicators of labor progress. True labor is confirmed by progressive cervical dilation and effacement, which requires clinical examination. Regular contractions without cervical change (prodromal labor) can persist for days.
The 5-1-1 rule is a general guideline and does not apply to all situations. Multiparous women may progress more rapidly and should consider going to the hospital sooner. High-risk pregnancies (prior cesarean, placenta previa, preterm) require individualized guidance. Additionally, contraction perception varies greatly between individuals — some women have strong contractions they barely feel, while others experience significant discomfort with mild uterine activity.
For related assessments, see Due Date Calculator, Gestational Age Calculator and Bishop Score.
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.
April 21, 2026 · trust-baseline
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OpenTap when contraction starts, tap again when it ends.