Uterine contractions begin as birth gets closer, but not every contraction means labor. Braxton Hicks, often called false labor, are usually irregular and ease when you change position or rest. True labor contractions get closer together, longer and stronger over time. The most reliable way to tell them apart is to regularly note how long contractions last and the time between them. The pattern that appears after a few contractions shows you when it is time to act.
A commonly used guide is the 5-1-1 rule. If contractions come about every 5 minutes, each lasts at least 1 minute and this pattern has continued for 1 hour, it may be time to call your doctor or labor and delivery unit and head to the hospital. Frequency is the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Duration is the time from the start of a contraction to its end, and the two are assessed together.
Doing the math while watching a clock during a contraction is hard. A timer takes that load off both you and your birth partner. If you have given birth before, live far from the hospital or your doctor gave you a different plan, you may need to leave earlier without waiting for the 5-1-1 pattern. Your water breaking, bleeding or reduced baby movement mean you should go to the hospital right away, whatever the contraction pattern.
What you can do
- Tap when a contraction starts and ends, duration and frequency are calculated automatically.
- See average duration and average frequency in real time.
- Get a go to the hospital alert when a 5-1-1 pattern forms.
- See a preterm labor warning for regular contractions before 37 weeks.
- Accidental taps shorter than 10 seconds are not saved.
- After at least 3 contractions, ask AI whether they look like false or true labor.
How to use it
- Start a new session.
- Tap the button when a contraction starts and tap again when it ends.
- Follow the duration, frequency and 5-1-1 indicator.
- If an alert appears or you have any doubt, call your doctor or labor and delivery unit.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should contractions be before going to the hospital?
For a first birth, the 5-1-1 rule is often used: if contractions come about every 5 minutes, each lasts 1 minute and this pattern has continued for 1 hour, it is time to go to the hospital. If you have given birth before, labor may move faster, so your doctor may ask you to come in earlier. Your doctor's plan always comes first.
How do I know if it's real labor or Braxton Hicks?
False labor contractions are irregular, do not get closer together and usually ease with rest, walking or drinking water. True labor contractions come at regular intervals and get closer, longer and stronger over time. The pain often starts in the lower back and spreads to the front. Timing a few contractions is the easiest way to see the difference. If you are not sure, ask your doctor.
How do you time contractions?
Frequency is the time from the moment one contraction starts to the moment the next one starts, so it includes both the rest period and the contraction itself. Duration is the time from the start of a contraction to its end. The contraction timer calculates both automatically when you tap at the start and end.
When do Braxton Hicks contractions start?
Braxton Hicks contractions are noticed from the second trimester, often after 20 weeks, and can become more frequent in the last weeks. They are usually painless or feel like a mild tightening, are irregular and go away with rest. Contractions that become regular or painful before 37 weeks should be discussed with your doctor because of the risk of preterm labor.