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Contraction timer

One big button, because your hands will be busy. Press when a contraction starts and again when it ends. If you think you're in labor, or you're not sure, call your provider. Their instructions come first.

Is this your first baby?

The last hour

No contractions timed yet

    Call now, whatever the timer says

    • Before 37 weeks: any signs of preterm labor (regular or frequent contractions or tightening, often painless; cramps; pelvic pressure; a constant low, dull backache; a change in discharge; or your water breaking). Don't wait. Call your ob-gyn right away or go to the hospital. acog.org
    • Your water breaks or you're leaking fluid, as a gush or a trickle. Call your provider even if contractions haven't started. Go to the hospital if your water has broken and you are not having contractions. acog.org
    • Vaginal bleeding. Go to the hospital for heavy bleeding (ACOG). Contact your provider right away for any bleeding other than light spotting (MedlinePlus). acog.org
    • Your baby is moving less than usual, or movements stop. Go to the hospital. acog.org
    • Constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions. Go to the hospital. acog.org
    • Severe belly pain that doesn't go away, starts suddenly or gets worse. cdc.gov
    • A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. cdc.gov
    • A headache that won't go away or gets worse, vision changes (flashing lights, spots, blurring), or extreme swelling of the hands or face. cdc.gov
    • Trouble breathing, chest pain, or a fast or irregular heartbeat. cdc.gov
    • Dizziness or fainting. cdc.gov
    • Severe swelling, redness or pain in a leg or arm. cdc.gov
    • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. cdc.gov
    • Fluid or discharge that smells bad. cdc.gov
    • If you aren't sure whether something is serious, call. MedlinePlus: contact your provider for any other reason if you are unsure what to do. medlineplus.gov

    How to time contractions

    Time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. That’s how far apart they are. How long each one lasts runs from its start to its end. The timer does both: press once when a contraction starts and again when it ends.

    When to call or go in

    Call your provider whenever you think you’re in labor or you’re not sure. MedlinePlus says to contact your provider for regular, painful contractions every 5 to 10 minutes for 60 minutes. Hospitals also give rules of thumb:

    • A first baby: the 5-1-1 pattern, used by hospitals such as Texas Children’s. Painful contractions 5 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, for at least an hour.
    • If you’ve given birth before: labor is usually shorter, so some hospitals ask you to call sooner. OHSU says to call when contractions are 5 to 10 minutes apart for an hour. UW Medicine says 7 to 10 minutes apart.

    Your provider’s instructions come first. Some people are asked to come in earlier: for example, if you live far from the hospital, your water has broken, or you’ve had a fast labor before.

    Real labor or practice contractions?

    True labor contractions come at regular intervals, get closer together and get stronger. They keep coming whether you rest or move. Braxton Hicks contractions don’t follow a pattern, don’t get much stronger, and often ease with rest, a walk, a change of position or a drink of water.

    Sources

    1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “How to Tell When Labor Begins.” acog.org
    2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, “Preterm Labor and Birth.” acog.org
    3. MedlinePlus, “Signs of active labor.” medlineplus.gov
    4. Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, “Your third trimester.” texaschildrens.org
    5. OHSU, “When to come to the hospital.” ohsu.edu
    6. UW Medicine, “It’s Time.” washington.edu
    7. CDC, “Urgent Maternal Warning Signs” (Hear Her). cdc.gov