TL;DR
When contractions are ~5 minutes apart, each lasting ~1 minute, for ~1 hour (aka 5-1-1), you're likely in active labor.
Go sooner if water breaks, bleeding, decreased baby movement, intense pain, or preeclampsia symptoms (severe headache, vision changes, sudden swelling).
Why 5-1-1 matters (and what it actually means)
5-1-1 is a practical rule of thumb:
- •5 minutes apart → measure start-to-start between contractions
- •1 minute long → each contraction's duration
- •1 hour → this pattern holds for about an hour
It's a signal that active labor is likely underway for many full-term pregnancies.
Contrarian truth: 5-1-1 is a guideline, not law. Some providers use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1. Second (or later) births often move faster. If your provider gave specific guidance, that overrides any internet rule—including this one.
How to time contractions (the clean, no-math way)
- 1Tap "Start" when a contraction begins.
- 2Tap "End" when it eases.
- 3The timer records:
- →Duration (how long the contraction lasted)
- →Frequency (minutes from the start of one to the start of the next)
- 4Watch the rolling averages. When you're consistently near 5-1-1, it's "call/go" time per your provider's plan.
Do it now:
Open the Contraction TimerWhen to call or go immediately (skip the 5-1-1 waiting)
- ⚠️Water breaks (especially if fluid is green/brown or has odor)
- ⚠️Vaginal bleeding heavier than light spotting
- ⚠️Baby movement decreases or you feel "off"
- ⚠️Severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, sudden swelling, RUQ/epigastric pain (possible preeclampsia)
- ⚠️Preterm signs (<37 weeks)
- ⚠️Gut instinct that something isn't right
Emergency? Call 911 or your local emergency number.
Real-world patterns to expect
Early labor:
Contractions are irregular, mild to moderate. Rest. Eat lightly.
Active labor:
Contractions intensify, stabilize near 5-1-1. Time to move.
Multiples/second baby:
Patterns can compress; don't wait for exact 5-1-1 if intensity jumps.
Induction/C-section plans:
Follow your provider's timing instructions; the timer is still useful for symptom tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "5 minutes apart" really mean?
Time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next.
How precise do I need to be?
Close is good enough. Trends beat perfection. The timer averages for you.
Do I only time the "painful" ones?
Time all contractions you recognize. Intensity helps interpretation but pattern matters most.
What if my contractions are strong but 7–8 minutes apart?
Strength rising + spacing shrinking → keep timing. Call if your provider advised earlier contact.
Second baby here—should I wait for 5-1-1?
Often no. Many providers advise earlier contact for subsequent births.
What if it's before 37 weeks?
Call your provider now rather than waiting for a pattern.
Water broke but no contractions yet—do I still use 5-1-1?
No. Follow your provider's immediate guidance after rupture of membranes.
Will timing contractions tell me my dilation?
No. Timing shows pattern, not cervical change—but the pattern helps decide next steps.
The clean handoff: from "we think it's time" to "we're on our way"
- 1You're near 5-1-1 (or your provider's threshold).
- 2Call as instructed (some want you to come in; some triage by phone).
- 3Screenshot your timer summary (nice to have; not required).
- 4Final bathroom break, grab the bag, head out.
Safety note
This guide is for general education, not medical advice. Your provider's instructions always come first. For urgent symptoms, call 911.