How to use the Contraction Timer
- Press Start contraction as soon as you feel a contraction begin.
- Press Stop contraction when it fades away.
- Repeat for each contraction. The timer records the start time, the length, and the time since the previous contraction began.
The summary shows how many contractions you have had in the last hour, their average length, and how often they are coming. When contractions reach the 5-1-1 pattern, a note appears. Your timings are saved only on this device, so you can close the page and come back; use “Undo last” if you pressed by mistake.
Frequency and duration explained
Duration is how long a contraction lasts, from the moment it starts to when it fades. Frequency is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next — so it includes the contraction itself and the rest between. If contractions start at 10:00, 10:06 and 10:12, they are coming every 6 minutes, even if each lasts a minute.
Stages of labour at a glance
| Phase | Typical contractions |
|---|---|
| Early (latent) labour | Irregular to fairly regular, 5–20+ minutes apart, 30–45 seconds long; can last many hours |
| Active labour | Regular, about 3–5 minutes apart, 45–60+ seconds long, getting stronger |
| Transition | Very strong, 2–3 minutes apart, 60–90 seconds long |
Every labour is different, and second and later labours are often faster. Your care team may give you different advice — for example to call earlier if you live far away, have had a fast labour before, or have a medical condition.
Braxton Hicks or real labour?
Braxton Hicks “practice” contractions can start in the second trimester. They tend to be irregular, do not get closer together, and often ease with rest, a warm bath or a change of position. Labour contractions keep coming, grow stronger, last longer and get closer together. Timing them for an hour is one of the easiest ways to tell the difference.
Call your maternity unit straight away if…
- your waters break, especially if the fluid is green, brown or smelly;
- you have vaginal bleeding;
- you have constant, severe pain rather than contractions that come and go;
- your baby is moving less than usual;
- you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think labour has started;
- you have a headache, vision changes or swelling, or you are simply worried.
Getting close to your due date? The Days Until Due Date Calculator counts down, and the Kick Counter helps you get to know your baby’s movements.