Free Contraction Timer for Labor
Track contraction duration, frequency, and the 5-1-1 pattern with one tap. Get clear timing data to share with your healthcare provider.
Labor Contraction Timer: Duration and Frequency
See at a glance: frequency, duration, intervals. Spot the difference between true labor and practice contractions. Know exactly when active labor begins. No math. No confusion. Just clear answers when you need them most.
How to Time Contractions for Labor
A focused labor contraction timer helps you record what your care team will ask about: when each contraction starts, how long it lasts, and how far apart the starts are.
Track Contraction Duration, Frequency, and Intervals
Every contraction tells a story. Is your labor progressing? Should you call the doctor? Head to the hospital? Our timer reads the patterns so you don't have to.
Share a Contraction Report With Your Provider
Walk into your appointment with organized, professional data. Export as PDF. Print it out. Save as an image. Share with your healthcare team and get better, faster decisions.
How to Time Labor Contractions for the 5-1-1 Rule
Contraction frequency is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Duration is measured from the first tightening until it fully fades. Recording both numbers gives your provider a clearer picture than a single stopwatch reading.
1. Start when the tightening begins
Tap Start at the first wave of tightening, pressure, or back pain that feels like a contraction.
2. Stop when the contraction ends
Tap Stop when your abdomen relaxes. The timer saves the duration and starts measuring the interval until the next contraction.
3. Watch the pattern over time
Track several contractions and look for a consistent pattern. The common 5-1-1 guideline means about five minutes apart, one minute long, for one hour.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider About Contractions
Your provider may give you a different arrival plan. Call sooner for water breaking, heavy bleeding, severe or constant pain, reduced fetal movement, fever, or regular contractions before 37 weeks. Timing data supports a conversation; it cannot diagnose labor.
Contraction Timer FAQ: 5-1-1 Rule and Labor Timing
How accurate is an online contraction timer?
The timer records start and stop times to the second and calculates duration and spacing. Use the organized log as a communication aid, while following your provider's advice for medical decisions.
How do I share contraction timing with my doctor?
Easy! Export as a PDF, print it, or save as an image. Then show it to your doctor, midwife, or nurse at your next appointment or when you arrive at the hospital.
Is my data private?
100% private. Everything stays on your device. We never see your data. We never store it. We never share it. Your contractions are your business.
What is the 5-1-1 rule for contractions?
The common 5-1-1 guideline means contractions are about 5 minutes apart, last about 1 minute each, and continue for 1 hour. It is only a general guideline, so follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
When should I start timing contractions?
Start when contractions feel noticeable and begin to form a pattern. Press start at the first tightening and stop when it fully fades. Continue tracking several contractions so you can describe the pattern clearly.
How can I compare real labor and Braxton Hicks contractions?
Real labor contractions usually become longer, stronger, and closer together. Braxton Hicks contractions are often irregular and may ease with rest, hydration, or a change in activity. Call your provider if you are unsure.