private contraction timer
Contraction Timer
Free contraction timer: tap to record how long each contraction lasts and how far apart they are, see your average for the last hour and know when to call. Private, no sign-up.
Tap start when a contraction begins.
| Started | Duration | Since previous start |
|---|
Duration and frequency are different
Duration is how long one contraction lasts, from the moment you feel it build to when it fades. Frequency is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next — so it includes the contraction itself and the rest after it. “Every 5 minutes” therefore means five minutes from start to start, not five minutes of rest.
When you phone your maternity unit or labor and delivery unit, they will usually ask how often contractions come, how long they last, how strong they feel, whether your waters have broken, whether there is any bleeding and whether your baby is moving as usual. Having the last hour written down makes that call quicker.
Early labour versus active labour
Early (latent) labour can last many hours, especially in a first pregnancy. Contractions may be irregular, and many people stay at home, rest, eat lightly and keep moving. As labour becomes established, contractions become regular, stronger, longer and closer together, and the cervix opens more quickly. The NHS and ACOG both describe this pattern, and both advise contacting your unit for guidance rather than relying on a number alone.
- Practice contractions (Braxton Hicks) usually stay irregular and often ease with rest, a warm bath or a change of position.
- Labour contractions keep coming regardless of what you do and build over time.
- A “show” (a plug of mucus) or your waters breaking can happen before or during labour.
Call straight away if
Timing contractions in the Elara app
The contraction timer in the Elara iPhone app uses the same start-to-start method, highlights the 5-1-1 pattern and shows the running contraction as a Live Activity on the Lock Screen, so you do not need to keep the app open. Sessions are stored on your iPhone. A linked partner does not see your contraction log, so agree in advance how you will tell them it is time.
Common questions
What does a contraction timer measure?
Duration — how long each contraction lasts, from when it starts to when it eases — and frequency, measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
What is the 5-1-1 rule?
A common rule of thumb for a first labour: contractions about every 5 minutes, each lasting about 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. Your own maternity or labor and delivery unit may give you different instructions, and theirs come first.
How can I tell real contractions from Braxton Hicks?
Practice (Braxton Hicks) tightenings are usually irregular and ease when you rest or change position. Labour contractions become longer, stronger and closer together over time and do not stop when you rest.
When should I call the maternity unit?
Call when your contractions match the pattern your unit told you to watch for, and call straight away — whatever the timer says — if your waters break, you are bleeding, your baby is moving less, you feel an urge to push, you have constant severe pain, or you are under 37 weeks.
Is my contraction data saved?
On this page, no: the session exists only in your browser tab and disappears when you reset or close it. In the Elara app, contraction sessions are stored on your iPhone.
Sources & editorial process
- NHS — Signs that labour has begun
- ACOG — How to tell when labor begins
- NHS — The stages of labour and birth
- ACOG — Labor induction
Written by the Elara editorial team from the sources above. This page has not been reviewed by an independent clinician. Read how we write and update health pages. Last updated .
Medical disclaimer: this page is general education, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are worried about yourself or your baby, contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit straight away. In an emergency call your local emergency number.