Contraction Timer

Keep Calm and Time Contractions: A Simple Tool for Labor

Why Timing Contractions Matters More Than You’d Think

There’s nothing quite like that “is this it?” moment when you start to feel contractions. Whether it’s your first baby or you’ve done this before, those early signs can stir up a mix of excitement and nerves. That’s where a Contraction Timer comes in—your quiet little helper in the background while everything else is moving fast.

This tool is designed to help you track how long your contractions last, how far apart they are, and how strong they feel. That kind of info can be really useful when you're trying to figure out if you're in early labor or if it’s time to grab your bag and go.

Making Sense of the Timing: Frequency, Duration, Intensity

We often hear people say, “You’ll just know when it’s time.” And yes, sometimes you do—but other times, you’re second-guessing yourself in the middle of the night with a half-packed bag. Here's where the Contraction Timer shines:

• Duration: How long each contraction lasts from start to finish
• Frequency: How far apart they are, measured from the start of one to the start of the next
• Intensity: A personal rating of how strong the contraction feels—mild, moderate, or strong

This kind of tracking can help you notice patterns. Maybe they start out mild and 15 minutes apart, but before you know it, they’re stronger and coming every 5 minutes. That’s a big clue about where your body is in the labor process.

A Friendly Reminder: You Don’t Have to Remember Everything

Let’s be honest—no one wants to be doing mental math while in labor. This tool automatically logs each contraction and gives you:

• Your most recent contraction time
• The average length of all your contractions
• How often they’re happening
• A suggestion about what labor phase you might be in

If you’ve ever tried to scribble down times or juggle a phone note while gripping a couch cushion, you’ll appreciate having this all handled for you.

Tips from the Couch, the Car, and the Hospital Room

Here are a few little things that can make a big difference:

1. Start using the timer once you notice a rhythm – it doesn’t have to be perfect.
2. Let your partner help – they can press the buttons while you focus on breathing.
3. Use the note section – jot down things like “felt it in my back” or “baby moving after” so you can mention them to your provider if needed.
4. Pay attention to your instincts too – even with data, how you feel matters just as much.

One mom shared that she timed contractions for two hours before realizing she was already in active labor—and the timer helped her explain the urgency to her care team when she called.

When Should You Actually Head to the Hospital?

There’s a helpful guide built into the tool based on general guidelines like the 5-1-1 rule (contractions five minutes apart, lasting one minute, for one hour). It even tailors tips depending on whether it’s your first time or not. And if anything feels off—water breaking, unusual pain, reduced baby movement—there’s a checklist in the app to remind you to call or go in immediately.

The Calm in the Chaos

Labor can feel like one big blur. Having something simple and reassuring in your hand—like the Contraction Timer—can give you a bit of steadiness in all the unknowns. You don’t need to be perfect or have a plan for every moment. Just knowing what your body is doing helps you feel a little more grounded.

Because no matter how the day unfolds, you’re doing something incredible. And tools like this are just here to back you up when you need a hand (or when your hand is holding someone else’s).