Contraction Timer
One big button. Time each contraction and the rest between them, and watch your pattern take shape.
Ready when you are
Time a few contractions and a gentle summary of your pattern will appear here.
5-1-1This is a helping hand, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your own healthcare provider.
History
How the contraction timer works
How do I time contractions?
Press the button when a contraction begins and press it again when it ends. The timer records how long each contraction lasts and how far apart they are, measured from the start of one to the start of the next.
What is the 5-1-1 rule?
5-1-1 is a common guideline that many providers mention: contractions about 5 minutes apart, each lasting around 1 minute, continuing for at least 1 hour. It is a general guide, not a rule for everyone, so always follow the advice of your own provider.
What is the difference between real labor and Braxton Hicks?
Real labor contractions tend to get longer, stronger and closer together over time, and they usually do not ease off when you change position or rest. Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions are irregular, do not steadily intensify, and often settle when you move around, drink water, or rest. Timing them is one way to see which pattern you are having.
When should I go to the hospital or call my midwife?
A common guideline is 5-1-1: contractions about 5 minutes apart, each lasting around a minute, for at least an hour. But the right time is individual, so follow your own provider's advice. Contact them sooner, whatever the timing, if your waters break, you have bleeding, your baby is moving less than usual, or you feel something is wrong.
Does the contraction timer work offline?
Yes. Everything runs on your device and your log is saved locally, so it keeps working with no connection. Your data stays private to your device unless you choose to sign in.
Can I use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 instead of 5-1-1?
Yes. In Settings you can choose which guideline the timer watches for. 5-1-1 is the most common and is often given for a first baby, while 4-1-1 and 3-1-1 are sometimes used for a second or later baby, or when your provider wants you to wait a little longer. Use whichever your own midwife or doctor gave you.
Can I record how strong each contraction was?
Yes. Right after a contraction ends the timer asks whether it felt mild, moderate or strong. It is entirely optional and easy to skip, but recording it helps: strength is one of the things triage staff ask about, and the timer will tell you when your contractions are getting stronger as well as closer together.
How do I share my contraction log with my midwife?
Tap Share to send a short readable summary through any app on your phone, or copy it to the clipboard. Tap CSV to download a spreadsheet of every contraction with its time, length, gap and strength, which is the easiest thing to hand over or email to your provider.
Will my phone screen turn off while I am timing?
No. While you are in an active timing session the app keeps the screen awake so you never have to unlock your phone one-handed during a contraction. It releases the screen as soon as you leave the timer, so it will not drain your battery in the background. You can turn this off in Settings.
Sources and further reading
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