Track contraction frequency, duration, and intensity. The timer compares your pattern against the ACOG 5-1-1 guideline for when to head to the hospital.
The 5-1-1 rule: contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour. This pattern typically indicates active labor for first-time mothers. Track your contractions for at least one hour to see if the pattern holds before heading to the hospital.
Written by Ash K · Last updated: June 2026 · Sources cited below
The 5-1-1 rule is the standard guideline for when to head to the hospital during labor: contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, for at least 1 hour. This timer tracks your contraction pattern against that benchmark automatically.
Press start when a contraction begins, stop when it ends. The timer calculates frequency, duration, and whether your pattern matches the criteria. You focus on breathing — the timer does the math.
Timing contractions is simple once you know what to measure.
Key Takeaway: Track two things: duration (how long each contraction lasts) and frequency (time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next). Track for at least one hour to see a pattern. A single contraction tells you nothing — a sequence of 5–10 reveals whether labor is progressing.
Step 1: Press start when your uterus begins to tighten — the very beginning of the contraction.
Step 2: Press stop when the tightening releases completely. This gives you the duration.
Step 3: Wait for the next contraction and press start again. The timer calculates the gap (frequency) automatically.
Step 4: Track for at least one hour. Look for a pattern: are contractions getting closer together, lasting longer, and feeling more intense?
The 5-1-1 Rule: When to Go to the Hospital
The 5-1-1 rule is endorsed by perinatal educators and widely used in ACOG-affiliated obstetric practices. It identifies the point where most first-time mothers are in active labor.
| Number | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Contractions 5 minutes apart or closer | Frequency reflects cervical dilation progress |
| 1 | Each contraction lasts at least 1 minute | Sustained contractions produce cervical change |
| 1 | Pattern sustained for at least 1 hour | Rules out temporary clusters of Braxton Hicks |
Note: The 5-1-1 rule applies primarily to first-time mothers (primiparas). For subsequent pregnancies, many providers recommend a 7-1-1 or earlier trigger, because labor typically progresses faster in women who have delivered before. Discuss your specific guideline with your provider before your due date.
Meeting 5-1-1 doesn't guarantee you're in active labor — only a provider's cervical exam confirms that. But it's a reliable trigger for making the call or heading in.
When people search "511 contractions" or "511 for labor," they're looking for what that pattern actually feels like in practice.
Early labor contractions (before 5-1-1): irregular, 5–30 minutes apart, lasting 30–45 seconds. You can talk through them. They may stop when you change position, walk, or rest.
Active labor contractions (at 5-1-1): regular, 3–5 minutes apart, lasting 45–60+ seconds. Harder to talk through. They don't stop when you move or rest — they continue regardless.
Transition contractions (beyond 5-1-1): 2–3 minutes apart, lasting 60–90 seconds, intensely strong with almost no break between them. Most people are already at the hospital by this stage.
Tip: Look for progression, not perfection. Are contractions getting closer? Lasting longer? Feeling stronger? That progression is the signal — not hitting exactly 5 minutes and exactly 60 seconds.
Braxton Hicks vs Real Contractions (per Published Obstetric Research)
This distinction trips up many first-time mothers. Braxton Hicks contractions are "practice" contractions — your uterus rehearsing for delivery. They can feel surprisingly real, especially in the third trimester.
| Feature | Braxton Hicks | Real Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern | Irregular, no progression | Regular, getting closer together |
| Duration | 15–30 seconds typically | 30–90 seconds, getting longer |
| Intensity | Mild, uncomfortable | Moderate to strong, intensifying |
| Location | Front of abdomen, localized | Wraps around from back to front |
| Position change | Stop or ease when you move/rest | Continue regardless of activity |
| Hydration | May stop when you drink water | Not affected by hydration |
Warning: Contact your provider or go to the hospital immediately if you experience any of the following, regardless of your contraction pattern: vaginal bleeding (more than spotting), sudden gush of fluid (water breaking), severe constant pain (not rhythmic tightening), decreased fetal movement, dizziness or vision changes, or contractions before 37 weeks (preterm labor concern).
The 5-1-1 Rule — When to Go to the Hospital (ACOG)
| Stage | Cervix | Contractions | Duration | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early labor | 0–6 cm dilated | 5–30 min apart | 30–45 sec | Hours to days; stay home, rest, eat |
| Active labor | 6–8 cm | 3–5 min apart | 45–60 sec | Head to hospital (5-1-1 trigger) |
| Transition | 8–10 cm | 2–3 min apart | 60–90 sec | Most intense; nearing pushing |
| Pushing | 10 cm (complete) | 2–4 min apart | Variable | Your body pushes with contractions |
Early labor is the longest phase for most first-time mothers — often 8–12 hours or longer. Active labor and transition are shorter but more intense. Your provider monitors cervical dilation through vaginal exams, which are the gold standard for confirming which stage you're in.
Note: Contraction timing is informative but not diagnostic. The same contraction pattern can correspond to very different cervical dilation in different people. Your provider's exam confirms your actual progress — the timer helps you decide when to call.
The 5-1-1 rule is a general guideline, not a universal rule. Call your provider earlier if:
You have a high-risk pregnancy (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa, history of preterm labor). Your water breaks — whether or not contractions have started. You notice vaginal bleeding beyond light spotting. You feel decreased fetal movement. Contractions begin before 37 weeks.
If you're unsure whether what you're feeling is labor, call anyway. Your provider's office and labor and delivery triage exist for exactly this purpose.
Bottom Line: Time your contractions using this tool. Look for the 5-1-1 pattern (5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour). First-time mothers should use 5-1-1; experienced mothers may use 7-1-1 or their provider's specific guidance. When in doubt, call — triage nurses assess labor questions all day, every day.
What is the 5-1-1 rule for contractions?
The 5-1-1 rule states: contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, sustained for 1 hour. Meeting this pattern typically indicates active labor for first-time mothers and is a common trigger for going to the hospital or birth center.
What does "511 for labor" mean?
"511" is shorthand for the same 5-1-1 guideline: contractions 5 minutes apart, 1 minute long, for 1 hour. It's also sometimes written as "5-1-1 rule labor" or "511 rule pregnant."
How can I tell if contractions are Braxton Hicks?
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular, don't progress in frequency or intensity, and typically stop when you change position, walk, or drink water. Real labor contractions are regular, get progressively closer and stronger, and continue regardless of your activity.
How often do Braxton Hicks contractions happen?
Braxton Hicks frequency varies. Some people feel them a few times a day in the third trimester; others rarely notice them. They become more frequent closer to your due date. If they become regular and progressive, they may be transitioning into early labor — start timing them.
Should I go to the hospital if my water breaks?
Yes — contact your provider and follow their guidance. Water breaking without contractions is common and typically requires monitoring. Note the time, color (should be clear or slightly straw-colored), and odor. Green or brown fluid may indicate meconium and warrants immediate evaluation.
Is there a contraction timer app I should use?
This page's built-in timer tracks everything you need: duration, frequency, and pattern matching against 5-1-1. No app download required.
This tool is informational and does not replace medical evaluation. If you are unsure whether you are in labor, contact your healthcare provider.
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This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your health.