Contraction Interval Calculator
Is it time to go? Enter your interval, length and travel time. Free, private and instant.
How to use the Contraction Interval
- Enter time from the start of one contraction to the next (minutes).
- Enter how long each contraction lasts (seconds).
- Enter how long this pattern has lasted (minutes).
- Choose is this your: First baby or Second or later baby.
- Enter travel time to the hospital (minutes).
- Choose any of these now?: None or Waters broken, bleeding, constant pain, or baby moving much less.
- Press Calculate to get an instant result with a colour scale, chart and plain-English explanation.
About the Contraction Interval
Enter the time between contractions, how long they last, how long the pattern has lasted and your travel time to see whether you are in early labour, active labour or should go now. First babies usually need the pattern to last an hour; later babies less.
Also known as: contraction frequency calculator, how far apart are contractions, when to go to hospital in labour, labor contraction calculator.
Worked example
- Time from the start of one contraction to the next: 6 minutes
- How long each contraction lasts: 60 seconds
- How long this pattern has lasted: 60 minutes
- Is this your: First baby
- Travel time to the hospital: 30 minutes
- Any of these now?: None
Contraction interval: 6 min apart (Building). Labour is building. Keep timing; call your maternity unit if contractions get closer, stronger or longer.
- Interval: 6 min
- Length: 60 sec
- Pattern lasted: 60 min
- Leave when interval is: 5 min or less
Formula and cut-offs
Early labour: 10-20 min apart, 30-45 s. Active: 3-5 min apart, about 60 s. Transition: 1-3 min apart, 60-90 s. Leave earlier if the hospital is more than 45 minutes away.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart are contractions in active labour?
About 3 to 5 minutes apart, lasting around a minute.
Should I go earlier with a long drive?
Yes. If you live far from the hospital, set off when contractions are about 7 minutes apart.
What are signs to go right away?
Waters breaking, bleeding, constant pain, reduced movement or contractions very close together.
Sources and references
- ACOG Committee Opinion 700 - Methods for estimating the due date
- Institute of Medicine (2009) - Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Reexamining the Guidelines
- NHS - Pregnancy guide
Written and checked by the MediHub editorial team against the sources above. Read how we build and review our calculators.
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Last updated . This calculator is for education only and is not medical advice. See the medical disclaimer.