What is Contraction Timer?

A contraction timer helps expectant parents track the duration and frequency of labor contractions. By recording the start and end of each contraction, it calculates intervals and durations automatically, helping you decide when to head to the hospital.

Each contraction you record is stamped with start time, end time, duration in seconds, and the gap to the previous one. A pattern monitor watches the most recent hour and tells you whether the 5-1-1, 4-1-1, or 3-1-1 trigger you selected is met. Tapped a beat early or late? Edit the entry to fix the start or end time and the averages and intervals refresh on the spot. Duration and interval trend charts sit side by side so you can see both lengthening contractions and shrinking gaps. The count of contractions in the last hour sits with the averages up top, since that's the number a provider asks for on a triage call, and the whole log downloads as a CSV file you can share by message or email. Everything is kept on your device, so a partner can keep timing even if you lose signal at home or in the car.

How to use

1. Tap 'Start' when a contraction begins and 'Stop' when it ends to record its duration.
2. The timer automatically calculates the interval between contractions.
3. Review your contraction history with average duration and frequency to share with your healthcare provider.

When to use

• Tracking the early hours of labor at home before deciding when to head to the hospital.
• Sharing a clean log with your midwife, doula, or OB instead of guessing intervals from memory.
• Distinguishing real labor from Braxton Hicks by watching whether contractions stay consistent over an hour.

Result

A contraction starts at 10:05 AM and ends at 10:06 AM (60 seconds). The next one starts at 10:10 AM — the interval is 5 minutes. When contractions are 5 minutes apart lasting 1 minute for 1 hour, it's time to go.

FAQ

What is the 5-1-1 rule and why does this tool track it?

The 5-1-1 rule is a common guideline: contractions about 5 minutes apart, lasting around 1 minute, sustained for 1 hour. Many providers use it as the cue to head in. First-time parents sometimes follow 4-1-1, and later or fast labors may use 3-1-1; this tool lets you switch between all three rules with a single tap so you monitor whichever one your provider asked for. Always confirm the right threshold with your own care team.

How do I tell early labor from Braxton Hicks contractions?

Braxton Hicks are usually irregular, ease up with rest or a glass of water, and do not get stronger over time. True labor contractions get closer together, last longer, and intensify. Watch the timer over an hour, the pattern shows up clearly in the history list.

Will I lose my history if the page reloads or my phone dies?

Contractions are saved to your phone's local storage, so a refresh keeps them. A full phone reset, switching browsers, or clearing site data will wipe the log. For long labors keep the phone plugged in and avoid clearing browser data.

When should I stop relying on this tool and call my provider?

Always call right away for heavy bleeding, water breaking before 37 weeks, decreased fetal movement, severe pain, or anything that does not feel right. Even with a perfect 5-1-1 pattern, your provider's instructions trump anything an app can tell you.

Can my partner time contractions for me?

Yes, and many couples find it easier that way. The labouring parent calls out when a contraction starts and stops while the partner taps Start and Stop. The duration shows on screen so the partner can also coach breathing through the longer ones. There's a Partner Mode button too: it hides the charts and history and leaves one large Start/Stop target, so a support person can run the timer without mis-tapping.

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