Contraction timer

When to call (NHS advice)

Call your midwife or maternity unit if contractions are regular and come every 5 minutes or more often.

Call urgently if a contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes, or if 6 or more come in 10 minutes.

Call straight away, at any time, if the waters break, if there is bleeding, if the baby is moving less than usual, or if she is less than 37 weeks pregnant and thinks labour has started.

Always follow the advice of your own hospital or midwife: some ask you to call earlier, for example for a second baby or if you live far away.

How to read your numbers

Length

From the start to the end of one contraction. In labour, contractions get longer and stronger.

Gap from start to start

From the start of one contraction to the start of the next. This is the “every 5 minutes” number. The timer works it out for you.

Practice contractions or real labour?

Practice tightenings (Braxton Hicks) are usually short and do not follow a pattern. Labour contractions get longer, stronger and closer together. If you are not sure, or you are worried, call your midwife or maternity unit.

Questions people ask

Do I time from the start or the end of a contraction?

Both. Tap at the start and at the end. The length is start to end; the gap is from the start of one to the start of the next.

How often should contractions be before I call?

The NHS advises calling your midwife or maternity unit when contractions are regular and come every 5 minutes or more often (NHS). In the US or elsewhere, follow the advice your doctor or midwife gave you for labor.

When is it urgent?

Call urgently if a contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes, or 6 or more come in 10 minutes. Also call straight away if the waters break, there is bleeding, the baby moves less, or she is under 37 weeks (NHS).

Is it practice contractions or real labour?

Practice tightenings do not usually last long. Labour contractions get longer, stronger and more frequent (NHS). If in doubt, call your midwife or maternity unit.

This is my second baby: should I call earlier?

Ask your midwife now when they want you to call. Some units ask you to call earlier for a second baby or if you live far away.

What if we cannot reach the maternity unit?

In the UK, call 111. If the baby is coming now and there is a strong urge to push, call 999 (NHS). Elsewhere, see urgent help for your emergency number.

Are my times saved or sent anywhere?

They stay only on this device. Nothing is sent to us.

Sources

• NHS: Signs that labour has begun · checked October 26, 2026