Contraction Timer Calculator

The 5-1-1 rule means you should head to the hospital when contractions are: 5 minutes apart (measured from start of one to start of the next), lasting 1 minute each, and this pattern has continued for at least 1 hour. Some providers recommend 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 instead.

Real contractions: come at regular intervals, get closer together over time, increase in intensity, do not stop with rest or hydration, and radiate from back to front. Braxton Hicks: irregular, do not get closer together, mild and do not intensify, often stop with rest, position change, or water.

Go to the hospital when: contractions meet the 5-1-1 (or your provider's) rule, your water breaks, you have vaginal bleeding, you notice decreased fetal movement, you have severe headache or vision changes, or you feel something is wrong. Always follow your provider's specific instructions.