Contraction Timer
Time your contractions and see when they match the 5-1-1 pattern. Free, private, and nothing to download.
Tap when a contraction starts, tap again when it ends
Don't wait for a pattern. Call your provider now if:
- Your water breaks or you're leaking fluid
- You have bright red bleeding
- You have constant, severe pain that doesn't ease
- Your baby is moving less than usual. Do a kick count
- You're less than 37 weeks pregnant
Rather use an app? TinyKicks counts kicks and times contractions.
Keep your history from 28 weeks to delivery in one free app.
How to Use This Contraction Timer
- Tap Start contraction as soon as you feel a contraction begin (on a computer you can press the space bar).
- Tap again when it ends. The timer logs how long it lasted and how far apart it was from the last one.
- Watch the pattern. After a few contractions you'll see last-hour averages and your progress toward the 5-1-1 pattern (or 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 if that's what your provider uses).
Tapped by mistake? Use Undo last tap, or delete any row with the × button. Your log is saved in this browser, and on most phones the screen stays on while you time.
How to Time Contractions
Two numbers matter when you time contractions:
- Duration: how long each contraction lasts, from when the tightening starts to when it fully eases.
- Frequency: how far apart they are, measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. This includes the contraction itself, not only the rest in between.
Start timing once you've felt a few contractions in a row.Kaiser Permanente says a tightening that lasts 30 seconds or longer is a labor contraction. True labor contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together over time (ACOG).
The 5-1-1 Rule
Many providers use the 5-1-1 rule to decide when you should call or come in: contractions every 5 minutes, each lasting about 1 minute, for 1 hour. Some use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 instead, and if you've given birth before or live far from the hospital, you may be told to come in sooner. The timer only reports the pattern once it has held for a full hour. Read more in the 5-1-1 rule explained.
When to Go to the Hospital
Always follow the plan you agreed with your provider. As a general guide:
- First baby: Kaiser Permanente advises coming in when contractions come every 3 to 5 minutes over an hour and last at least 45 to 60 seconds.
- You've given birth before: Kaiser Permanente advises coming in when contractions come every 5 to 7 minutes and last at least 45 to 60 seconds, because labor is often faster.
Call right away, whatever your contractions are doing, if your water breaks, you have heavy or bright red bleeding, you have constant severe pain, your baby is moving less than usual, or you're less than 37 weeks pregnant (ACOG, NHS). The NHS also says to call immediately if a contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes or you have 6 or more contractions in 10 minutes. More detail in when to go to the hospital for contractions.
Braxton Hicks or Real Labor?
Braxton Hicks ("practice") contractions are common in the third trimester. Timing them is the easiest way to tell them apart from true labor:
| Braxton Hicks | True labor |
|---|---|
| Irregular, don't get closer together | Regular, get closer together |
| Don't get stronger | Get stronger and longer over time |
| Often ease if you rest, drink water or change position | Keep going whatever you do |
| Usually uncomfortable rather than painful | Painful, often felt across the belly and back |
Based on UT Southwestern and ACOG. If you're not sure, call your provider. That's what they're there for.
Contractions by Stage of Labor
| Stage | What contractions are like |
|---|---|
| Early (latent) labor | Often irregular, from mild to painful, with no set pattern. It can last many hours, and most people spend it at home. |
| Active labor | Regular, stronger and longer, often every 3 to 5 minutes. This is usually when to be at your birthing center. |
| Transition | The most intense part: contractions come closer together and can last 60 to 90 seconds. |
Sources: NHS, Cleveland Clinic, March of Dimes.
Contractions and Your Baby's Movements
Keep noticing your baby's movements while you time contractions. A baby who is moving less than usual is a reason to call your provider straight away, even in early labor. If you're unsure, do a quick session with our free kick counter, and read about decreased fetal movement.
Contraction Timer App
This online timer has everything you need on the day. If you'd rather have it in an app, the free TinyKicks app times contractions and counts kicks, and keeps your history from 28 weeks to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I time contractions?
Tap Start when a contraction begins and tap again when it ends. The timer records how long each contraction lasts (duration) and how far apart they are, measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next (frequency).
What is the 5-1-1 rule for contractions?
The 5-1-1 rule is a common guideline for when to call your provider or head to the hospital: contractions come every 5 minutes, each lasts about 1 minute, and the pattern has continued for 1 hour. Some providers use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 instead. Always follow the instructions your own provider gives you.
When should I start timing contractions?
Start timing once you've felt a few contractions in a row. Early contractions are often irregular. Timing them for a while shows whether they are getting longer, stronger and closer together, which is what happens in true labor.
Are contractions measured from start to start?
Yes. How far apart contractions are is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next, not from the end of one to the start of the next. The timer does this for you.
When should I go to the hospital?
Follow your provider's instructions. Many providers use the 5-1-1 rule. Call right away, whatever your contractions are doing, if your water breaks, you have bright red bleeding, you have constant severe pain, your baby is moving less than usual, or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant.
How many contractions in 10 minutes is too many?
The NHS advises calling your midwife or maternity unit immediately if you're having 6 or more contractions every 10 minutes, or if any contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes. The timer shows a warning if it sees either pattern.
Is my data saved or shared?
Your contractions are saved only in this browser on your device, so the log survives a refresh or a closed tab. Nothing is sent to our servers. You can clear the session at any time.
Does the contraction timer work offline?
Once the page has loaded, the timer keeps working without a connection. On supported browsers it also keeps your screen awake while you're timing, so the display doesn't go dark between contractions.
Sources
- ACOG: How to Tell When Labor Begins
- NHS: Signs that labour has begun
- Kaiser Permanente: Labor, when to go to the hospital
- Cleveland Clinic: Stages of Labor
- UT Southwestern: Braxton Hicks contractions vs. true labor
This tool is for general information and is not medical advice. Always follow your provider's instructions. Read our medical disclaimer.
Kicks and Contractions in One App
TinyKicks counts kicks from 28 weeks and times contractions when the big day comes. Free on iPhone and Android.