Contraction Timer

Time contractions and see when to go to the hospital. Free, private and instant.

How to use the Contraction Timer

  1. Choose hospital rule from your provider: 5-1-1 (every 5 min, lasting 1 min, for 1 hour), 4-1-1 or 3-1-1.
  2. Add one row per entry for contractions: Start or End.
  3. Press Calculate to get an instant result with a colour scale, chart and plain-English explanation.

About the Contraction Timer

Time each contraction from start to start to see how far apart they are and how long they last. This timer averages your recent contractions, charts the pattern and checks it against the 5-1-1, 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 rule so you know when to call your maternity unit.

Also known as: labour contraction timer, labor contraction counter, 5-1-1 rule timer, contraction tracker.

Formula and cut-offs

5-1-1 rule: contractions every 5 minutes, each lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour. Interval = time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Always follow your own provider’s advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 5-1-1 rule?

Contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. It suggests active labour and time to go to the hospital.

How do I time a contraction?

Note when it starts and ends. The interval is measured from the start of one to the start of the next.

When should I go to hospital even if contractions are not 5-1-1?

If your waters break, you have heavy bleeding, constant severe pain, baby moves less, or you are before 37 weeks.

Sources and references

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.