Contraction Timer
Track contraction intervals.
Overview
Record the start and end times of contractions to automatically calculate intervals and duration. Provides guidance on when to go to the hospital based on the '5-1-1 rule' or '3-1-1 rule.' In emergencies, do not rely on this tool — call emergency services immediately.
Formula
Contraction Interval = Current Start Time - Previous Start Time Contraction Duration = End Time - Start Time 5-1-1 Rule (first-time mothers): - Contractions every 5 minutes or less - Each lasting 1 minute or more - Pattern continuing for 1 hour or more → Head to the hospital when all three criteria are met 3-1-1 Rule (experienced mothers): - Contractions every 3 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour or more
How to Use
- 1Press 'Start' when a contraction begins.
- 2Press 'Stop' when the contraction ends.
- 3Press 'Start' again when the next contraction begins.
- 4Intervals, durations, and averages are calculated automatically.
- 5An alert is shown when the 5-1-1 or 3-1-1 rule criteria are met.
Tips
- ✔First-time mothers follow the 5-1-1 rule; experienced mothers follow the 3-1-1 rule.
- ✔Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and subside with walking, while true labor contractions grow stronger and more regular.
- ✔If your water breaks, you have vaginal bleeding, or fetal movement decreases, go to the hospital immediately regardless of contraction intervals.
- ✔Showing your contraction log to the medical team upon arrival is helpful.
- ✔This timer is a reference tool; call emergency services immediately in urgent situations.
FAQ
Q. What is the 5-1-1 rule?
The 5-1-1 rule states that you should head to the hospital when contractions come every 5 minutes or less, each lasting at least 1 minute, and this pattern continues for at least 1 hour. It primarily applies to first-time mothers. Experienced mothers may use the 3-1-1 rule as labor can progress faster.
Q. What is the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, often subside with movement or position changes, and feel more like tightening than pain. True labor contractions increase in intensity and frequency, do not go away with rest or position changes, and involve pain that radiates from the back to the front.
Q. When should I go to the hospital?
Go to the hospital when the 5-1-1 rule (or 3-1-1 rule) is met. However, if your membranes rupture (water breaks), you have vaginal bleeding, severe headache or visual disturbances, or decreased fetal movement, go to the hospital immediately regardless of contraction patterns.
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