Contraction Timer

Tap the button when a contraction starts, tap again when it ends. The timer tracks how long each one lasts and how far apart they are, so you can see when labour is really building.

Call your midwife or maternity unit if: your waters break, you have any bleeding, your baby is moving less than usual, contractions are very strong or close together, or you simply feel something isn't right, at any stage. This timer is a guide, not medical advice.
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Ready when you are

The 5-1-1 rule

A widely used guide for first-time labour is 5-1-1: when contractions are about 5 minutes apart, each lasting around 1 minute, and this has kept up for at least 1 hour, it's usually time to call your maternity unit and head in. Some units advise 4-1-1 or 3-1-1, so always follow the specific guidance you've been given.

Early labour can stop and start, and that's normal. What you're watching for is a pattern that gets longer, stronger and closer together over time.

While you wait

In early labour, light snacks and steady hydration help keep your energy up. See third-trimester foods for energy, and check anything you're unsure about with the free food safety checker. Not sure how far along you are? Use the week tracker.

This timer provides general educational information only and is not medical advice. Timings are stored only in your browser for this session. Always follow the guidance of your midwife or maternity unit.