How do I time contractions?

Start the timer the moment a contraction begins and stop it when it fades. The duration is how long the contraction lasts; the frequency is the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Time several contractions in a row to see a pattern.

What is the 5-1-1 rule?

The 5-1-1 rule means contractions coming every 5 minutes, each lasting about 1 minute, sustained for at least 1 hour. Many providers use it as a sign that active labor has started and that it is time to head to the hospital.

When should I go to the hospital?

Follow your provider's instructions first. In general, call or go in when the 5-1-1 pattern holds, if your water breaks, if you have bleeding, reduced fetal movement, or severe pain. Go earlier if you live far away or have had a fast previous labor.

Is my contraction data private?

Yes. Every contraction is stored only in your own browser using local storage. Nothing is uploaded, there is no account to create, and the timer keeps working with no internet connection.

Does the timer cost anything?

No. ContractionTrack is completely free, has no ads and no subscription, and can be added to your phone home screen as an app.

How do I tell real labor from Braxton Hicks?

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, usually painless, and ease off when you change position or drink water. True labor contractions get longer, stronger and closer together over time — which is exactly what the timer chart makes visible.

Free Contraction Timer for Labor

About this contraction timer

ContractionTrack is a free, private contraction timer for labor. Tap start when a contraction begins and stop when it ends; the app records each contraction's duration and the interval between them, shows rolling averages, and tells you when the common 5-1-1 pattern is reached. Everything is stored only in your browser — no account, no server, works offline.

Frequently asked questions

How do I time contractions?: Start the timer the moment a contraction begins and stop it when it fades. The duration is how long the contraction lasts; the frequency is the time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Time several contractions in a row to see a pattern.
What is the 5-1-1 rule?: The 5-1-1 rule means contractions coming every 5 minutes, each lasting about 1 minute, sustained for at least 1 hour. Many providers use it as a sign that active labor has started and that it is time to head to the hospital.
When should I go to the hospital?: Follow your provider's instructions first. In general, call or go in when the 5-1-1 pattern holds, if your water breaks, if you have bleeding, reduced fetal movement, or severe pain. Go earlier if you live far away or have had a fast previous labor.
Is my contraction data private?: Yes. Every contraction is stored only in your own browser using local storage. Nothing is uploaded, there is no account to create, and the timer keeps working with no internet connection.
Does the timer cost anything?: No. ContractionTrack is completely free, has no ads and no subscription, and can be added to your phone home screen as an app.
How do I tell real labor from Braxton Hicks?: Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, usually painless, and ease off when you change position or drink water. True labor contractions get longer, stronger and closer together over time — which is exactly what the timer chart makes visible.