What tips should I keep in mind?

Time from the START of one contraction to the START of the next. True labor contractions get progressively longer, stronger, and closer. Braxton Hicks are irregular, do not increase in intensity, and stop with rest.

Contraction Timer Calculator

Track contraction duration, frequency, and pattern to determine labor progress and when to go to the hospital.

Contraction 1 Duration (seconds)(How long the contraction lasted)

Gap After Contraction 1 (minutes)(Time until next contraction started)

Contraction 2 Duration (seconds)(Second contraction duration)

Gap After Contraction 2 (minutes)(Time until next contraction)

Contraction 3 Duration (seconds)(Third contraction duration)

Gap After Contraction 3 (minutes)(Time until next contraction)

Contraction 4 Duration (seconds)(Fourth contraction duration (0 to skip))

Gap After Contraction 4 (minutes)(Time until next (0 to skip))

Weeks Pregnant(Current gestational age)

Results

Visualization

How It Works

The 5-1-1 rule is the classic guide: go to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. Active labor contractions get longer, stronger, and closer together.

The Formula

Frequency = Time from start of one contraction to start of the next

5-1-1 Rule: 5 min apart + 1 min long + 1 hour duration = go to hospital

Variables

5-1-1 — The traditional hospital rule: 5 min frequency, 1 min duration, 1 hour pattern
Prodromal — Real but irregular contractions that can last days before true labor begins

Worked Example

Contractions at 45s, 50s, 55s, 55s with gaps of 8, 7, 6, 5 min — Early labor trending toward active. Continue timing.

Practical Tips

Time from the START of one contraction to the START of the next.
True labor contractions get progressively longer, stronger, and closer.
Braxton Hicks are irregular, do not increase in intensity, and stop with rest.
If your water breaks, go to the hospital regardless of contraction pattern.
Before 37 weeks, call your doctor if contractions are regular and less than 10 min apart.

Last updated: March 15, 2026 · Reviewed by the FertilityCalcs Editorial Team