Overview:
Knowing how to time your contractions is one of the most important tools during late pregnancy. It helps you recognize when labor is truly beginning and when it’s time to call your healthcare provider or go to the hospital.
📘 Why Timing Contractions Matters
Labor contractions follow a pattern that changes as labor progresses. By tracking frequency, duration, and intensity, you can tell if you’re in early labor or active labor — and avoid going to the hospital too early (or too late).
⏱️ How to Time Contractions: 3 Key Elements
1. Frequency
- What it means: The time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
- How to track:
Example: If a contraction starts at 2:00 PM and the next starts at 2:08 PM, your frequency is 8 minutes. - Frequency gets shorter as labor progresses.
2. Duration
- What it means: How long each contraction lasts, from start to end.
- How to track:
Start your timer when the contraction begins, and stop when it ends.
Example: A contraction that starts at 2:00:00 PM and ends at 2:00:45 PM lasts 45 seconds. - As labor progresses, contractions usually last 45–70 seconds.
3. Intensity
- What it means: How strong the contraction feels.
- How to track:
Though subjective, you can rate intensity based on how much the contraction:- Disrupts your conversation
- Makes you pause activities
- Causes physical discomfort or pain
- Some use a 1–10 pain scale, or simply track if contractions feel mild, moderate, or strong.
🏥 When to Go to the Hospital: The 5-1-1 Rule
This is a common guideline for first-time moms:
- Contractions every 5 minutes
- Lasting 1 minute each
- Occurring consistently for at least 1 hour
If you’re having a second or later baby, labor may progress faster, so call your provider earlier.
📱 Tools You Can Use
- Pen and paper: Classic, reliable.
- Contraction timer apps: Many apps log start/end times and show patterns.
- Partner support: Ask your birth partner to track contractions for you.
✅ Sample Log
| Contraction | Start Time | End Time | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2:00 PM | 2:00:45 | 45 sec | — |
| #2 | 2:08 PM | 2:08:50 | 50 sec | 8 min |
| #3 | 2:15 PM | 2:16:05 | 65 sec | 7 min |
👩⚕️ OB-GYN Tip:
False labor (Braxton Hicks) may not follow a pattern. True labor contractions become closer together, longer, and stronger over time.
