Online Contraction Timer
Reviewed by Safi Allah Khan
5-1-1: Not yet. Keep timing.
Last hour average duration: — · start-to-start frequency: —
Call your provider when contractions follow the 5-1-1 pattern, or earlier if your waters break, you have bleeding, or your baby's movements reduce.
Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026
Quick answer: A contraction timer records how long each contraction lasts and how far apart contractions are, measured from the start of one to the start of the next. Tap once when a contraction starts and again when it ends. Many hospitals use the 5-1-1 rule: about 5 minutes apart, about 1 minute long, for 1 hour. Follow your provider's instructions.
Use the contraction timer above. Below is how to read the numbers and when to call.
How to use the contraction timer
- Tap Start at the very beginning of a contraction, when you first feel your belly tighten.
- Tap Stop when the tightening fully eases.
- Repeat for each contraction. The timer lists each one with its duration and the time since the previous one started.
- Watch the averages. After a few contractions, look at the average length and average time apart.
- Check the 5-1-1 indicator. It lights up when contractions have been about 5 minutes apart and about 1 minute long for an hour.
Keep the screen on while you time. The timer runs in your browser and doesn't send or store your data, so closing or refreshing the page clears the log.
What the numbers mean
| Measurement | How it's measured | What changes in labor |
|---|---|---|
| Duration (length) | From the start of a contraction to the end | ACOG and Mayo Clinic say labor contractions last about 60 to 90 seconds |
| Frequency (time apart) | From the start of one contraction to the start of the next | Labor contractions come in a regular pattern and get closer together. Mayo Clinic says they're generally 2 to 5 minutes apart |
| Pattern | Several contractions in a row | True labor contractions get longer, stronger and closer together, and keep going when you rest or move |
Common mistake: measuring the gap from the end of one contraction to the start of the next. That makes contractions look further apart than they are. This timer always measures start to start. Our guide to how to time contractions explains this with examples.
The 5-1-1 rule and other guidelines
The 5-1-1 rule is a popular rule of thumb in the US for a first, full-term, low-risk pregnancy: contractions about 5 minutes apart, lasting about 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. Some providers use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1, and many ask people who have given birth before, live far from the hospital or have a higher-risk pregnancy to call sooner.
In the UK, the NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit for guidance if you think you're in labour or you're having regular contractions every 5 minutes or more often. The start of labour (the latent phase) can last hours or even days, and you'll often be advised to stay home during it.
Your provider's instructions always come first. Ask at a late-pregnancy appointment exactly when they want you to call or come in.
When to call straight away
Don't wait for a contraction pattern. Call your midwife, doctor or maternity unit urgently if:
- your waters break
- you have vaginal bleeding
- your baby is moving less than usual
- you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you might be in labor
- any contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes, or you have 6 or more contractions in 10 minutes (NHS)
- you have constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions (ACOG)
If you feel a strong urge to push or think the baby is coming now, call your local emergency number.
Braxton Hicks or the real thing?
Braxton Hicks "practice" contractions can start weeks before labor. They're usually irregular, don't build up, and often fade if you rest, walk or drink water. ACOG says that if rest and hydration make contractions go away, they aren't true labor. Labor contractions keep a regular pattern and get stronger. A timer is useful here because it shows whether there's a real pattern. If you're unsure, call. Mayo Clinic notes that false alarms are common and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Time contractions in the Momi app
The online timer is handy, but in labor a dedicated app is often easier. Momi's contraction timer shows the length of each contraction and the time between them in a clear log, with averages you can read out to your midwife over the phone. The same app has a kick counter, your appointments and your pregnancy diary.
Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
See also: how to time contractions · 37 weeks pregnant · 39 weeks pregnant
Sources
- NHS, Signs that labour has begun
- ACOG, How to Tell When Labor Begins
- Mayo Clinic, Signs of labor: know what to expect
Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
FAQ
How does a contraction timer work?
You tap Start when a contraction begins and Stop when it ends. The timer records how long each contraction lasted and the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. After a few contractions it shows averages, so you can see whether they are getting longer, stronger and closer together.
When should I start using a contraction timer?
Start timing when tightenings seem to come regularly, or when you think labor may be starting. Time at least three or four in a row to see a pattern. If you're less than 37 weeks pregnant and having regular contractions, call your care team instead of waiting to time them.
What is the 5-1-1 rule?
The 5-1-1 rule means contractions come about every 5 minutes, each lasts about 1 minute, and the pattern has continued for 1 hour. Many US hospitals use it as a sign of active labor in a first pregnancy, but your provider may give you a different rule, so follow theirs.
Is this contraction timer free?
Yes. The online contraction timer on this page is free, needs no sign-up, and works in any phone or computer browser. It doesn't store your data.
Is there an NHS contraction app?
The NHS doesn't require a specific app. Its guidance is to call your midwife or maternity unit if you think you're in labour or your contractions are regular and coming every 5 minutes or more often. Any timer that shows length and time apart, including this one, can help you describe them.
What's the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions?
Braxton Hicks are irregular, usually painless tightenings that don't build up and often stop when you rest or change position. Labor contractions come in a regular pattern, get closer together and stronger, and keep going whatever you do.