Timing Contractions
How to measure and record contractions to track labor progress
What to Measure
Three things matter when timing contractions: when they start, how long they last, and how far apart they are. The app handles this automatically, but understanding the pattern helps you know where your partner is in labor.
When to Start Timing
Do not obsess over timing from the first twinge. Start timing when contractions are regular enough that you notice a pattern, roughly every 10 minutes or so, and your partner has to pause and breathe through them.
The 4-1-1 and 5-1-1 Rules
These are guidelines for when to go to the hospital or call the midwife:
What the Numbers Tell You
Early labor contractions are often irregular, 5-20 minutes apart, lasting 30-45 seconds. Active labor contractions come every 3-5 minutes, last 45-70 seconds, and feel noticeably stronger. Transition contractions may come every 2-3 minutes and last 60-90 seconds.