Tap the big button when a contraction starts and again when it ends. The timer logs how long each one lasts and how far apart they are, averages the last hour and shows whether the pattern matches the 5-1-1 rule (or 4-1-1 / 3-1-1) your provider may have mentioned.
Last updated:
or press Space
Contractions (last hour)0
Avg. duration–
Avg. frequency–
Since last started–
Pattern check
History
#
Started
Duration
Frequency
Rest
Intensity
Delete
No contractions logged yet. Tap Start contraction when one begins and Stop when it ends.
Frequency is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Your log is saved only in this browser, so it survives a refresh.
This timer is a record-keeping aid, not medical advice. Follow the instructions your doctor or midwife gave you, and call them or emergency services whenever you are worried, for example if your water breaks, you have bleeding, or the baby is moving less.
Advertisement
Advertisement
How to use the Contraction Timer
Tap Start contraction (or press Space) the moment you feel a contraction begin.
Tap Stop contraction when it fades. The duration and the time since the previous contraction are added to the history.
Repeat for each contraction. The last-hour averages update automatically; the big timer shows how long you have been resting.
Check the pattern panel. Pick the rule your provider gave you (5-1-1 is the most common) and see which criteria are met.
Share the log with Copy summary when you call your provider, or download a CSV.
Duration vs frequency: what the numbers mean
Every contraction gives you two numbers. Duration is how long it lasts, from the first tightening to when it fades. Frequency is how often contractions come, measured from the start of one to the start of the next, so it includes the contraction itself.
Contraction
Started
Ended
Duration
Frequency
Rest
1
2:00:00
2:00:50
0:50
–
–
2
2:05:10
2:06:10
1:00
5:10
4:20
3
2:09:40
2:10:45
1:05
4:30
3:30
In this example the contractions are coming about every 4½–5 minutes and lasting about a minute.
Common timing guidelines
Rule
Contractions apart
Each lasting
For at least
5-1-1
5 minutes or less
about 1 minute
1 hour
4-1-1
4 minutes or less
about 1 minute
1 hour
3-1-1
3 minutes or less
about 1 minute
1 hour
These are general rules of thumb used in childbirth classes and by many providers. Your doctor or midwife may give you a different rule depending on your pregnancy, whether this is your first baby and how far you live from the hospital, and theirs is the one to follow.
Tips for timing contractions
Start timing when contractions feel regular enough to notice a pattern; there is no need to time every twinge in early labor.
Have a partner tap the button so you can focus on breathing; the big button is easy to hit on a phone.
Use the intensity selector if your provider asks how strong the contractions feel; it shows how they change over time.
Keep the screen awake or reopen the page: a running contraction keeps counting from its saved start time.
Frequently asked questions
How do you time contractions?
Time the duration from the start of a contraction to its end, and the frequency from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. For example, if a contraction starts at 2:00 and the next starts at 2:05, they are 5 minutes apart, even if each lasted a minute.
What is the 5-1-1 rule?
It is a common guideline for when to call your provider or go to the hospital: contractions coming about every 5 minutes, each lasting about 1 minute, consistently for at least 1 hour. Some providers use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 instead, and many give different advice for second babies or longer travel times, so follow the plan you were given.
How does the timer check the 5-1-1 pattern?
It needs at least 4 logged contractions. It checks that the average frequency over the last hour is 5 minutes or less, that the average duration is at least 1 minute, and that contractions have been coming no more than 5 minutes apart for at least the past hour.
How can I tell real labor from Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions are usually irregular, do not get steadily closer together or stronger and often ease when you rest, walk or change position. Labor contractions tend to come at regular intervals, get longer, stronger and closer together over time and don't stop when you move. Timing them helps you and your provider see the pattern.
Will I lose my log if I close or refresh the page?
No. The log, and a contraction that is still running, are saved in your browser's local storage and come back when you reopen the page on the same device and browser. Nothing is uploaded. Use Clear all to delete it.
What do the columns in the history mean?
Started is the clock time the contraction began, Duration is how long it lasted, Frequency is the time from the previous contraction's start to this one's start, and Rest is the break between the end of the previous contraction and the start of this one.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.