Contraction Timer (5-1-1 Rule)

Am I in labour? How do I tell?

You’re probably in true labour if your contractions are regular, progressively closer, longer, and stronger — and don’t ease with rest, hydration, or position change. The classic threshold for active labour is the 5-1-1 rule: 5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, sustained for at least 1 hour.

How do I use the contraction timer?

1. When a contraction begins, tap Start contraction.
2. When it eases, tap Stop contraction.
3. Repeat for every contraction. Don’t worry about being millisecond-perfect — the pattern matters.
4. Watch the rolling last-hour averages and the 5-1-1 status banner.
5. Follow your provider’s instructions about when to call or come in.

How does the 5-1-1 rule actually work?

• 5 — contractions about 5 minutes apart, start of one to start of next.
• 1 — each contraction lasts about 1 minute.
• 1 — the pattern has held for at least 1 hour.

For a first-time mum at term with a low-risk pregnancy and standard distance from the hospital, this is usually the cue to call. Variations:

• 4-1-1 — for some second-time mums (labour can progress faster) or if you live further away.
• 3-1-1 — if you live very close to the hospital.
• Your provider may give you a different specific instruction — follow theirs.

True labour vs Braxton Hicks — the practical difference

• Braxton Hicks — IRREGULAR; don’t progressively get closer; often soft on one side of the bump; ease with rest, hydration, or position change; don’t ramp in intensity.
• True labour — REGULAR; get closer together over hours; longer; stronger; continue regardless of what you do; often radiate from back to front.

The timer pattern across 1-2 hours is the clearest way to tell. True labour shows a steady reduction in frequency (e.g. 10 min → 8 min → 6 min) and lengthening of duration.

When should I call my midwife or labour ward straight away?

Don’t wait for 5-1-1 if any of these:

• Waters have broken — call immediately to plan next steps. Note the colour (clear / pink / bloody / green / brown) and time.
• Signs of labour before 37 weeks — possible preterm labour.
• Heavy or bright-red bleeding — possible placental issue (the small pink “show” is not the same).
• Severe constant tummy pain — not the rise-and-fall of contractions.
• Reduced or absent baby movements — even in early labour.
• Severe headache, vision changes, right-upper tummy pain, sudden swelling — possible preeclampsia.
• Fever.
• Anything feels wrong — trust your gut.

What are the phases of labour?

• Latent phase (early labour): contractions become regular; cervix softens and dilates 0-4 cm. Can last 6-20+ hours for first-time mums. Usually manageable at home.
• Active labour: cervix 4-10 cm. Contractions strong, regular, every 3-5 min, 60+ sec. Progresses ~0.5-1 cm/hour. Usually 6-12 hours.
• Transition: 8-10 cm. Intense, often shaky, sometimes vomiting; the "I can't do this" phase. Often the shortest.
• Second stage (pushing): 30 min to 3 hours for first-time mum; shorter for subsequent.
• Third stage (placenta delivery): 5-30 min.

What to do in early labour at home

• Eat light, easy-to-digest food (toast, soup, fruit, pasta, yogurt). Stay hydrated.
• Rest in between contractions, even sleep if you can in early latent phase.
• TENS machine works well in early labour (peripheral nerve distraction).
• Warm bath, shower, or birth pool — water reduces pain perception.
• Walk if upright is comfortable; lean on a wall / partner / ball during contractions.
• Paracetamol if pain is becoming uncomfortable (safe in pregnancy).
• Distract yourself in early latent phase — box set, gentle movie, baking.
• Have your hospital bag ready and partner on call.

Different scenarios — how the timer plays out

Scenario 1: 39 weeks, contractions irregular at 12-15 min, low intensity for 2 hours

Likely Braxton Hicks or very early latent labour. Rest, hydrate, re-time later. Not time to call yet.

Scenario 2: 40+2 weeks, contractions every 5-7 min, 50-60 sec long, 90 minutes

Close to 5-1-1. Call your midwife / labour ward to discuss. They may ask you to head in, or stay home a little longer depending on baby number and distance.

Scenario 3: 36 weeks, contractions every 6 min, 50 sec long, 2 hours

Possible preterm labour. Call immediately regardless of 5-1-1 — earlier than 37 weeks needs assessment for the possibility of intervention (steroids for baby’s lungs, tocolysis to slow contractions, transfer to a higher-level unit if needed).

Scenario 4: Second baby, contractions every 4 min, 45 sec long, only 30 min so far

Second labours can be much faster. Don’t wait for the 1-hour window — call now. Get going to the hospital sooner than for a first labour.

Scenario 5: Waters break, no contractions, term, baby moving normally

Call your midwife / labour ward. Most term women will have contractions start within 24 hours of waters breaking. Depending on your unit’s policy and your GBS status, you may be advised to wait at home or come in for induction at a set time.

Care guidance — the practical side

• Have your hospital bag packed from 36 weeks. See /calculators/hospital-bag-checklist.
• Know how to reach your maternity unit — phone number, route, parking.
• Brief your birth partner on signs and what to do.
• Have a backup plan for childcare / transport.
• Pack snacks and drinks for the birth partner too.
• Charge phones as labour progresses.
• Don’t drive yourself if in established labour.

What this tool does NOT do

• Doesn’t diagnose labour or measure cervical dilation.
• Doesn’t replace your provider’s specific instructions.
• Doesn’t detect preterm labour, complications, or fetal distress — seek care immediately for any warning sign regardless of timer pattern.

Sources

• NICE NG235. Intrapartum care: labour and birth. 2023.
• ACOG. Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth. Committee Opinion 766.
• ACOG patient leaflet. How to Tell When Labor Begins.
• NHS. Signs that labour has begun.
• RCOG / NHS. Preterm labour and birth.

See our methodology. Not a substitute for medical advice — read the medical disclaimer.