Tap start when a contraction begins, stop when it ends. BabyQuil tracks duration and how far apart they are, so you know when it's time to call your provider.
| Start | Duration | Apart |
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Many providers use "5-1-1" as a general guide: contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. This pattern often signals active labor. It's a guideline, not a strict rule — always follow your own provider's specific instructions, since they may adjust this based on your history (e.g., a faster labor with a previous birth).
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, don't get progressively closer together, and often ease up with movement or hydration. Real labor contractions tend to become more regular, more intense, and closer together over time, and don't stop when you change position or rest.
Follow the specific guidance your provider gave you at your prenatal visits — this is usually based on the 5-1-1 pattern, but always call earlier if your water breaks, you notice bleeding, or you're simply unsure.
This web timer only keeps your log for the current browser session — refreshing the page clears it. For a permanent record across your pregnancy, the BabyQuil app saves contraction history to your device.
BabyQuil saves your full contraction history on your device, alongside your due date and pregnancy records.
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