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Get Started - FreeThis tool provides general guidance only. Always follow your midwife or hospital's specific advice about when to come in.
Start the timer when a contraction begins and stop it when the tightening eases - that is the duration. The gap from the start of one contraction to the start of the next is the interval. Time a handful in a row rather than one or two: it is the overall pattern that tells you where you are, not any single contraction.
In early labour, contractions are often irregular, lasting around 30 to 45 seconds with long and uneven gaps between them. As labour establishes, they become regular, stronger, and longer - typically 45 to 60 seconds or more, arriving about every 3 to 5 minutes. The NHS describes established labour as regular, painful contractions, with roughly 3 in every 10 minutes.
For a first baby, a good general guide is to call when contractions are regular and strong, coming about every 5 minutes and lasting at least 60 seconds. If you have given birth before, labour can move faster, so call earlier. And call straight away, whatever the timer says, if your waters break, you notice any bleeding, or your baby is moving less than usual. Your maternity unit would always rather hear from you than not.
Not sure whether these are practice tightenings? Read Braxton Hicks vs real contractions, see what happens next in the stages of labour, or browse the week-by-week pregnancy guide.
As a general guide for a first baby, call your maternity unit when contractions are regular and strong, coming about every 5 minutes and lasting at least 60 seconds - roughly 3 in every 10 minutes. If you have given birth before, call earlier, as labour can move faster. Always call your maternity unit if you're unsure.
Early labour contractions typically last 30-45 seconds with 5-20 minutes between them. As labour progresses, they lengthen to 60-90 seconds with shorter gaps of 2-5 minutes.
Braxton Hicks are irregular, don't increase in intensity, and usually stop when you change position. Real contractions come at regular intervals, get stronger over time, and don't stop with rest.
Start timing when a contraction begins and note when it ends (that's the duration). Then note when the next one starts (that's the interval). Nuhah's free contraction timer does this automatically.