Contraction timer
Tap when a contraction starts and again when it ends. The timer keeps how long each one lasts and how far apart they are, and adds up the last hour for when you call. Free, in your browser.
- Last hour
- 0
- Avg length
- –
- Avg apart
- –
Saved in this browser only. Nothing you time here is sent to us.
- Each length and gap saved as you go
- The last hour added up for when you call
- Nothing to install, nothing sent to us
How to time contractions
Tap Start the moment you feel a contraction begin, and tap again when it ends. Do it for each one.
- Length is from when a contraction starts to when it ends.
- Apart is from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
- The last hour counts the contractions that started in it and averages their length and the gaps between them.
Labor contractions come at regular times and get closer together. Each one lasts about 60 to 90 seconds. Timing them over an hour shows whether they are following that pattern. Tightenings with no pattern that ease when you rest are more likely Braxton Hicks: how to tell them apart.
When to call
Your provider tells you when to call. Many use 5-1-1: contractions every 5 minutes, each lasting a full minute, for 1 hour. Some newer advice uses 4-1-1 or 3-1-1. Ask your provider which rule they want you to use, and how to reach them after office hours. What the 5-1-1 rule means.
The timer measures. It does not tell you whether you are in labor. If anything worries you, call your provider, whatever the numbers say. Which symptoms need a call straight away.
The same timer on your iPhone and Apple Watch
MyPregnancy keeps your contractions in your account, shows the running timer on your Lock Screen and lets you tap from your wrist. The timer, kick counter, hospital bag and birth plan are free.
Questions
Is this contraction timer free?
Yes. It runs in your browser with nothing to install and no sign-up. Your contractions stay on this device: nothing you time here is sent to us.
How do you measure how far apart contractions are?
From the start of one contraction to the start of the next. The length of a contraction is from when it starts to when it ends. The timer measures both when you tap.
What is the 5-1-1 rule?
A traditional rule of thumb for when early labor has moved into active labor: contractions every 5 minutes, each lasting a full minute, for 1 hour. Some providers use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 instead. Ask yours which rule they want you to use.
Does the timer tell me when to go to the hospital?
No. It measures how long your contractions last and how far apart they are. It cannot show what is happening in your cervix. Your provider tells you when to call, and if something worries you, call whatever the numbers say.
Will my contractions still be here if I close the page?
Yes, in this browser, until you clear them. A private or incognito window forgets them when it closes. The MyPregnancy app for iPhone keeps them in your account instead.
Read more
What Does the 5-1-1 Rule Mean? Timing Contractions Before You Call
5-1-1 means contractions 5 minutes apart, each lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour. It is a rule of thumb for active labor; your provider or midwife may use another.
Braxton Hicks or Real Contractions? How to Tell Them Apart
Braxton Hicks tightenings have no pattern and often ease with rest, while labor contractions get longer, stronger and closer together. Timing them shows which.
What Happens in Early Labor, and How Can You Cope at Home?
In early labor your cervix softens and starts to open. It can take hours or days, and most people spend it at home, eating, resting and timing contractions.
What Are the Stages of Labor? From the First Contractions to the Placenta
Labor moves from contractions that open your cervix, to pushing and the birth of your baby, to the delivery of the placenta. How long each stage takes varies.
Which Symptoms in Pregnancy Need a Call Straight Away?
Bleeding, leaking fluid, a bad headache, vision changes, sudden swelling, intense itching, fever or fewer movements all need a call to your provider or midwife.