How to time contractions at home
Timing contractions helps you describe patterns to your care team: how long each tightening lasts, and how far apart they are. An app can do the math — your clinician still decides when to come in.
- 01
Start at the peak rise
Tap when the tightening clearly begins — the breath guide starts with you.
- 02
Follow inhale / exhale
Or hide the guide if you want a quieter screen.
- 03
Stop when it eases
Duration is saved automatically.
- 04
Watch the gaps
Interval shows how far apart contractions are.
- 05
Call with your numbers
Share the pattern — and trust urgent symptoms sooner.
Duration vs frequency
Duration is how long one contraction lasts from the start of the tightening to when it eases. Frequency (or interval) is the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
Write both down, or let a timer calculate them, so you can share a clear picture with your midwife or hospital triage line.
How to time contractions
When a tightening begins, start the timer. When it softens, stop. Repeat for several contractions so you can see whether they are getting longer, stronger, or closer together.
Early labor can stop and start. Rest, hydrate, and use comfort measures your antenatal class or clinician suggested — timing is information, not a finish line.
What the 5-1-1 rule means
A common teaching tip is the 5-1-1 pattern: contractions about 5 minutes apart, lasting about 1 minute, for about 1 hour. Some providers use 4-1-1 or different advice based on your history and distance from care.
Always follow the plan your care team gave you. Go in sooner for bleeding, fluid leaking, severe pain, reduced baby movements, or any reason you feel unsafe — do not wait for a perfect pattern.
Braxton Hicks vs labor patterns
Practice tightenings (Braxton Hicks) are often irregular and may ease with rest, hydration, or a position change. Labor contractions more often grow longer, stronger, and closer over time — but every labor is different.
If you cannot tell the difference, call your midwife or triage line. Guessing alone is not required.
How WombVibe’s Contraction Timer helps
Open Care → Contractions to tap start/stop, follow the live breathing guide (slow inhale, longer exhale), review history, and optionally play calm sounds during or between waves.
The timer does not diagnose labor or replace emergency care. It is a wellness log to support conversations with your care team.
Contraction timing FAQs
When should I start timing contractions?
Start when tightenings feel regular enough that you wonder if labor is beginning, or earlier if your provider asked you to. Preterm tightenings before 37 weeks deserve a prompt call.
Is the 5-1-1 rule the same for everyone?
No. It is a common guideline, not a universal rule. Follow your clinician’s advice for your pregnancy and how far you live from care.
Can an app tell me I am in labor?
No. WombVibe records timing only. Only clinical assessment can confirm labor progress.
More guides
WombVibe is for comfort and personal tracking only. It does not diagnose, treat, or prevent medical conditions. When in doubt, talk with your clinician.
Time contractions with calm breath + sound
WombVibe’s Contraction Timer records duration and spacing, with a live inhale/exhale guide and optional calm sounds.