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How to time contractions
It is the middle of the night, something is happening and nobody can remember when the last one started. Timing contractions on a phone gives you and your midwife or hospital clear facts instead of a guess, so the call you make is easier.
A timing routine, then contraction timer apps. When to call and when to go in is decided by your midwife, doctor or maternity unit; follow the instructions they gave you. If your waters break, you bleed, you feel the baby moving less, you are in severe pain or something feels wrong, call your maternity unit or emergency number straight away, whatever the timer says.
Get the app ready early
Install a contraction timer before your due date and try it once so it is familiar. Save the phone numbers of your maternity unit and midwife in your contacts and in the app if it allows.
Tap at the start and the end
Tap when a contraction starts and again when it ends. The app records how long each lasts and how far apart they are, so you do not have to do sums between them.
Write down what else happens
Note whether your waters have broken, any bleeding and how the baby is moving. Your maternity team will ask about these as well as timing.
Share the job
Let your partner run the timer so you can focus on breathing; see how to support your partner during pregnancy. After the birth, see how to track newborn feeding and sleep. Compare apps in contraction timer apps.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Start at the beginning | tap when it starts | accurate length |
| 2. Stop at the end | tap when it fades | length recorded |
| 3. Let the app add up | length and gap | clear pattern |
| 4. Note other signs | waters, bleeding, movement | what the team asks |
| 5. Call as told | your team’s instructions | right time to go |
Frequently asked questions
How do I time contractions?
Tap start when a contraction begins and stop when it ends; the app records the length and the gap between them.
When should I go to the hospital?
Follow the instructions from your midwife, doctor or maternity unit, and call them if you are unsure.
What if my waters break or I am bleeding?
Call your maternity unit or emergency number straight away, whatever the timer shows.