Contraction timer

To time contractions, tap start when one begins and stop when it ends. BabyData records how long each lasts and the gap from the start of one to the start of the next (the frequency), and shows a rolling average. A common guide for established labour is the 5-1-1 pattern: contractions about 5 minutes apart, lasting about 1 minute, for at least an hour. Everything stays in your browser and nothing is saved. This is informational only, not medical advice: call your midwife, maternity unit or NHS 111 if contractions are strong and regular, your waters break, there is bleeding, the baby moves less, or you are worried.

Time your contractions

Tap start and stop. Length, frequency and a rolling average, all in your browser.

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How to use this and when to call

Tap Start a contraction when one begins and Stop when it ends. The timer records how long each contraction lasts and the gap from the start of one to the start of the next, which is how contractions are timed. A common guide for early established labour is the 5-1-1 pattern: contractions about 5 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, for at least 1 hour.

Frequency = time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next

Nothing here is saved or sent anywhere; it lives only in this browser tab while you use it.

Informational only, not medical advice. Follow your own maternity unit's instructions. Call your midwife, maternity unit or NHS 111 if your contractions are strong and regular, if your waters break, if there is any bleeding, if the baby is moving less, or if you are worried at any point. In an emergency call 999. Editorially reviewed against NHS and gov.uk guidance.

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BabyData Editorial

Names and Family Data Desk, BabyData

BabyData's editorial desk builds and documents the tools, citing the underlying rule and the official UK dataset behind every number. Pregnancy-related tools are editorially reviewed against NHS and gov.uk guidance before publication.

Last reviewed: 12 June 2026