You feel the first contractions. Your belly tightens, releases, tightens again. Is it now? Should you go?
Most first-time mothers head to the hospital too early. With the 5-1-1 rule, you don't have to guess. Here you'll learn exactly when it's time to go.
What is the 5-1-1 rule?
The 5-1-1 rule is a simple mnemonic that midwives recommend. It tells you to go to the hospital when your contractions follow this pattern:
- 5 minutes between each contraction — measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next
- 1 minute duration — each contraction lasts about one minute
- 1 hour of this pattern — the pattern has remained stable for at least one hour
When all three criteria are met, you're likely in active labor. That's when you should call the labor and delivery ward and get ready.
Some hospitals use the 4-1-1 rule instead (4 minutes between contractions). Check with your delivery ward what they recommend.
How to count contractions correctly
To use the 5-1-1 rule, you need accurate measurements. Here's what you should track:
Intervals: Start the clock when one contraction begins. Stop when the next one begins. That's the interval.
Duration: Start the clock when the contraction begins. Stop when it releases completely. That's the duration.
Pattern: Write down the times. After 4-5 contractions, you'll see if there's a pattern.
You can use pen and paper, but it's easier with a tool that does the job for you. Babysential's free contraction timer measures intervals, duration, and pattern automatically. It alerts you when your contractions follow the 5-1-1 pattern.