Contraction Timer & Contraction Counter

A contraction timer measures the duration and frequency of labor contractions. Duration is how long each contraction lasts from start to finish. Frequency is the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Together, these two numbers help you and your healthcare provider figure out what stage of labor you're in. They can also help you decide when it may be time to go to the hospital.

If you're at home wondering whether what you're feeling is real labor or just Braxton Hicks, timing your contractions is the clearest way to find out. Real labor contractions usually get longer, stronger, and closer together over time. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular. They're usually painless. They often stop when you rest or change positions. A contraction counter like the one above tracks the pattern for you. So you don't have to remember numbers while you're dealing with pain.

How to Track Contractions

Counting contractions does not require any special equipment. You need a way to mark time, and you need a way to record each contraction. The online contraction timer above does both. But if you're doing it by hand, here's the manual process.

Step 1: Note when the contraction starts

A contraction feels like a tightening or cramping that starts in your back or lower abdomen and builds in intensity. When you feel it begin, mark the time. That time is the start of the contraction.

Step 2: Note when the contraction ends

When the tightening releases and your uterus relaxes, mark the time again. The difference between start and end is the duration of that contraction.

Step 3: Note when the next contraction starts

The time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next is the frequency. This number tells you how far apart your contractions are. It also shows whether they’re getting closer together.

Step 4: Record at least 5-6 contractions

A single contraction does not establish a pattern. You need at least five to six recorded contractions to see whether labor is progressing. The contraction calculator above does this analysis automatically and shows your averages in real time.

The 5-1-1 Rule: When to Go to the Hospital

The 5-1-1 rule is a general guideline used to determine when active labor may have started. If your contractions are every 5 minutes, each one lasts about 1 minute, and it’s been like that for at least 1 hour, it’s generally time to head to the hospital or call your midwife.

This rule fits most full-term pregnancies. Your healthcare provider may change these numbers based on your situation. If your water breaks, you notice bleeding, or your contractions feel unbearable before you reach the 5-1-1 pattern, contact your provider immediately.

Contraction Timer App for iPhone & Android

The online contraction timer above works in any browser, but during active labor you may prefer a dedicated app on your phone. The Contraction Timer app is free on iOS and Android. It includes features made specifically for labor.

Understanding Contractions During Labor

What do contractions feel like?

Labor contractions typically start as a cramping feeling in your lower back or abdomen. They can feel like strong period cramps. As labor progresses, contractions usually get more intense. They also get longer. They also get closer together. The uterus tightens from the top down. This pushes the baby toward the birth canal. Between contractions, the uterus relaxes completely.

Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice contractions that can begin as early as the second trimester. They are irregular. They do not increase in intensity over time. They usually stop if you rest or change positions. Real labor contractions usually follow a pattern over time. They get stronger. They get longer. They get more frequent. A contraction counter helps you see whether a consistent pattern is forming. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions.

When to start counting contractions

Start timing contractions when you notice a repeating pattern of tightening or pain. In early labor, contractions may be 15 to 30 minutes apart. In early labor, contractions may last 30 to 45 seconds. As labor advances, contractions can become 3 to 5 minutes apart. As labor advances, contractions can last 60 to 90 seconds. The transition from early to active labor is gradual and varies between individuals.

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Limitations and Safety

This contraction timer is a tracking tool, not a medical device. It records user input and calculates averages based on that input. It does not detect contractions automatically, diagnose labor stages, or replace professional medical monitoring.

Contraction timing is one data point that healthcare providers use to assess labor. I've found it helps. But it doesn't tell the whole story. Other factors include cervical dilation. Other factors include fetal heart rate. Other factors include membrane status. Other factors include maternal history. A contraction counter should complement professional care, not replace it.

If contractions are painful but do not follow a clear pattern, if your water breaks, if you notice bleeding, or if you feel that something is wrong at any point, contact your healthcare provider immediately regardless of what the timer shows. Trust your body and your care team.