⏱️ Contraction Timer
Tap when a contraction starts and ends — we track the pattern and tell you when to go to the hospital
📊 Your Contraction Pattern
📋 Contraction Log
👶 Baby Kick Counter
Count 10 kicks in 2 hours — tap each time your baby moves, kicks, rolls, or hiccups
📋 Kick Log
How to Time Contractions
Timing contractions correctly helps you and your care team understand where you are in labor. There are two measurements that matter:
- Duration: How long each contraction lasts, from start to end. Measured in seconds.
- Frequency: How far apart contractions are, measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. This is often called "every X minutes."
When to Go to the Hospital
The most commonly used rule is the 5-1-1 rule — but your doctor or midwife may give you different instructions based on your situation. Always follow their specific guidance first.
🟢 Early Labor — Stay Home and Rest
Contractions every 10–20 minutes, lasting 30–45 seconds, mild to moderate intensity. This phase can last many hours. Rest, eat lightly, stay hydrated, and time contractions periodically.
🟡 Active Labor — Prepare to Leave
Contractions every 5–7 minutes, lasting 45–60 seconds, increasingly intense. Start preparing your hospital bag and getting ready to leave. Call your provider to let them know.
🔴 5-1-1 Rule — Go to the Hospital Now
Contractions every 5 minutes, lasting at least 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. This is the standard signal for first-time moms to head in. Your provider may give you different instructions.
Contraction Patterns by Labor Stage
| Labor Stage | Frequency | Duration | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Labor | Every 10–20 min | 30–45 sec | Rest at home, stay hydrated |
| Active Labor | Every 5–7 min | 45–60 sec | Prepare to leave for hospital |
| 5-1-1 Rule ✅ | Every 5 min | 60+ sec | Go to hospital now |
| Transition | Every 2–3 min | 60–90 sec | You should be at hospital |
| Pushing | Every 2–5 min | 60–90 sec | Delivery is imminent |
Baby Kick Counting — Why It Matters
Kick counting (also called fetal movement counting) is a simple daily practice recommended from 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards. Research shows that a noticeable decrease in fetal movement can sometimes be an early sign that baby needs attention — making it one of the easiest and most important things you can do at home.
📋 The Count-to-10 Method
The most widely recommended approach:
- Pick a consistent time each day — after a meal is ideal as baby tends to be most active
- Lie on your left side or sit comfortably
- Count every movement — kicks, rolls, jabs, swooshes, hiccups all count
- Record how long it takes to feel 10 distinct movements
- Most babies reach 10 movements in under 2 hours
- Track your personal baseline — every baby has their own movement pattern
Braxton Hicks vs Real Contractions
| Braxton Hicks | Real Labor Contractions | |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern | Irregular, unpredictable | Regular, getting closer together |
| Intensity | Mild, don't intensify | Get stronger over time |
| Duration | Vary, often short | Consistent 30–90 seconds each |
| Location | Front of abdomen only | Often start in back, wrap around |
| Response to movement | Often stop if you change position | Continue regardless of position |
| What to do | Rest, hydrate, change position | Start timing with our timer above! |