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Woman timing contractions with phone, partner beside her

Time contractions and know when to head to the hospital

Wave: Contraction Timer

Track your contractions and know when it's time. Tap to start and stop. We'll handle the rest.

Babysential

Wave

Tap when a contraction starts, tap again when it ends. Wave works out the rest and tells you when the pattern says it is time to call.

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What is the 5-1-1 rule?

The 5-1-1 rule is a widely used guideline to help you decide when to go to the hospital. It means your contractions are 5 minutes apart, each lasting at least 1 minute, and this pattern has continued for at least 1 hour. When all three criteria are met, it's generally time to call your healthcare provider.

How do I time contractions?

  • Start: Tap the button when you feel the contraction begin (tightening sensation).
  • Stop: Tap again when the contraction ends (the tightness releases).
  • Interval: The time between the start of one contraction and the start of the next.
  • Duration: How long each individual contraction lasts.

When should I start timing contractions?

Start timing when contractions become regular and noticeable. Early labor contractions may be irregular and mild. As labor progresses, they become more regular, longer, and stronger.

When to call your provider

Besides the 5-1-1 rule, contact your healthcare provider immediately if your water breaks, you experience heavy bleeding, the baby is moving less than usual, or you feel something is wrong. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, call your provider.

How accurate is a contraction timer app?

A contraction timer app provides helpful tracking, but it does not replace medical advice. Always contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your labor, experience heavy bleeding, or your water breaks.