Contraction Timer
Tap the button when a contraction starts and again when it ends. The timer shows how long each contraction lasts, how far apart they are, and the averages for the last hour.
Free, no sign-up. What you enter stays in your browser: it is not saved or sent to HerFound. Reviewed .
Tap "Contraction started" when a contraction begins, and tap again when it ends. Your contractions will be listed here with how long each one lasted and how far apart they were.
Timing does not replace calling your maternity unit. Call your midwife or maternity unit straight away, whatever the timer shows, if your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, your baby is moving less than usual, you have strong pain that does not ease between contractions, or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant. Many units suggest calling when contractions are about 5 minutes apart, last about a minute and have done so for an hour. Follow what your own midwife told you.
This is general information, not medical advice. It cannot take your own health history into account. For anything that worries you, speak to a doctor, midwife or pharmacist.
How it works
The timer records the clock time of each tap. Length of a contraction = the time it ended minus the time it started.
How far apart (frequency) = the start of one contraction minus the start of the one before it. It is measured start to start, so it includes the contraction itself and the rest after it. This is the way midwives and doctors usually ask for it.
The last-hour summary counts the contractions that started in the past 60 minutes. Average length = the total length of the finished ones divided by how many there are. Average time apart = the time from the first start to the last start in that hour, divided by the number of gaps between them.
Timing does not replace calling your maternity unit. The NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit when you have regular contractions coming every 5 minutes or more often. Many units suggest calling when contractions are about 5 minutes apart, last about a minute each, and have done so for an hour. Follow what your own midwife or doctor told you, because the advice can be different for you.
What it cannot tell you
- It cannot tell you whether you are in labour or when to go in. Only your midwife, doctor or maternity unit can advise you. If you are unsure or worried, call them.
- Call your maternity unit straight away, whatever the timer shows, if your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, your baby is moving less than usual, you have strong pain that does not ease between contractions, or you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think labour may be starting.
- The numbers are only as exact as your taps. A late tap or a missed contraction changes the averages.
- Nothing is saved. If you close or reload the page, the list is cleared.
Apps that do this for you
A calculator answers once. These apps keep track over time. Compare all pregnancy and parenting apps.
Baby Connect
A baby tracker: log sleep, feeds and diapers and share it with every caregiver, on phone, web and Apple Watch.
Baby Daybook
A baby tracker: feeds, sleep, nappies and growth, with sleep predictions and family sync
BabyCenter
A pregnancy and baby tracker: week-by-week updates, handy tools, articles and a parent community.
Free weekly email
New apps for women this week
The apps added to HerFound each week, with what each one's own policy says about your data. One short email, no spam, unsubscribe any time.
We email you a link to confirm. Your address is used for this newsletter only.
Common questions
To time contractions, note when each one starts and when it ends. The length is the time from start to end. How far apart they are is the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next, not the gap of rest between them.
The NHS advises calling your midwife or maternity unit when you have regular contractions coming every 5 minutes or more often, or whenever you think you are in labour. Many units suggest calling when contractions are about 5 minutes apart, last about a minute and have continued for an hour, but follow what your own midwife told you. Call straight away at any stage if your waters break, you are bleeding, your baby is moving less, or you have strong constant pain.
The 5-1-1 rule is a commonly quoted pattern: contractions about 5 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, for 1 hour. Many maternity units use something like it as a sign to call. It is a rough guide and not a rule for everyone, so use the instructions your own midwife or doctor gave you.
Real labour contractions come at regular intervals and get closer together over time, and they carry on when you rest or change position. Braxton Hicks contractions have no steady pattern and often ease when you rest, move or drink water. Sometimes only an examination can tell the difference, so call your maternity unit if you are not sure.