Pregnancy & Baby Index: Pregnancy - Birth: Preparation: Contraction timer for labor

Contraction timer for labor

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Is it really time? The main thing separating "real" labor from "false" labor is that in true labor, your contractions will get progressively longer, stronger, and closer together. Use this page to help you time your contractions!

How to use this tool
Simply click the "Contraction starts" button at the beginning of the contraction -- when you can feel the tightening sensation (whether with your hand on your belly or if you can feel it from inside). Click on the "Contraction ends" button when your uterus completely relaxes again.

Your contraction lasted seconds

Reporting the news
When you call your caregiver, tell him or her how long your contractions are lasting and how far apart the contractions are. (If they are getting longer and coming closer together, be sure to let them know.)

Important timing note
Contractions are timed from the START of one contraction to the START of the next contraction. When reporting to your caregiver, make sure you're timing correctly and do not just count the interval between contractions.

Click here for more information about timing contractions! Need something for the hospital? You can download a free contraction timer utility for Palms here.