Tracking your contractions helps determine if you are in true labor. Enter the details of your last few contractions below to analyze the pattern.
How long did the last contraction last?
Time from start of one to start of next.
Understanding the 5-1-1 Rule in Labor
A contraction calculator is an essential tool for expecting parents to monitor the progression of labor. The primary goal is to identify a consistent pattern that suggests active labor is beginning. Most healthcare providers recommend the 5-1-1 Rule as a guideline for when it is time to head to the hospital or birthing center.
What is the 5-1-1 Rule?
5 Minutes Apart: Contractions occur every 5 minutes (measured from the start of one to the start of the next).
1 Minute Long: Each individual contraction lasts for at least 60 seconds.
1 Hour: This consistent pattern has been happening for at least one full hour.
True Labor vs. Braxton Hicks
It is common to experience "practice" contractions, known as Braxton Hicks. Unlike true labor contractions, Braxton Hicks are usually irregular, do not increase in intensity, and often subside if you change positions or drink water. True labor contractions will get closer together, last longer, and feel significantly more intense over time.
How to Measure Contractions Correctly
To use this calculator effectively, you need two pieces of data:
Duration: Start a stopwatch when the contraction begins and stop it when the tightening eases completely. This is the duration in seconds.
Frequency: Note the time when a contraction starts. Note the time when the next contraction starts. The difference between these two start times is the frequency.
When to Call Your Doctor
While this calculator provides guidance based on general medical rules, you should always contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
Your water breaks (rupture of membranes).
Significant vaginal bleeding.
A decrease in fetal movement.
Contractions that are so intense you cannot speak through them.
function analyzeContractions() {
var dur = document.getElementById('durationSeconds').value;
var freq = document.getElementById('frequencyMinutes').value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('laborResult');
var resultTitle = document.getElementById('resultTitle');
var resultText = document.getElementById('resultText');
if (!dur || !freq || dur <= 0 || freq <= 0) {
alert("Please enter valid positive numbers for both duration and frequency.");
return;
}
var duration = parseFloat(dur);
var frequency = parseFloat(freq);
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
// 5-1-1 Rule Logic
// 5 minutes apart or less, 60 seconds (1 min) or more duration
if (frequency = 60) {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#ffebee";
resultDiv.style.border = "1px solid #ef9a9a";
resultTitle.style.color = "#c62828";
resultTitle.innerHTML = "Potential Active Labor (5-1-1 Criteria)";
resultText.innerHTML = "Your contractions are " + frequency + " minutes apart and lasting " + duration + " seconds. This matches the criteria for active labor. If this pattern has persisted for an hour, or if your water has broken, you should contact your healthcare provider or head to your birthing center immediately.";
} else if (frequency = 45) {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#fffde7";
resultDiv.style.border = "1px solid #fff59d";
resultTitle.style.color = "#fbc02d";
resultTitle.innerHTML = "Early Labor Pattern";
resultText.innerHTML = "Your contractions are becoming regular. While not yet at the 5-1-1 stage, you are likely in early labor. Monitor the frequency closely. Try to rest, stay hydrated, and keep tracking the pattern.";
} else if (frequency > 10) {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#f1f8e9";
resultDiv.style.border = "1px solid #c5e1a5";
resultTitle.style.color = "#388e3c";
resultTitle.innerHTML = "Preliminary/Practice Contractions";
resultText.innerHTML = "Contractions at " + frequency + " minutes apart are generally considered 'prodromal' or early phase. If they are irregular, they may be Braxton Hicks. Continue to monitor, but there is usually no immediate need for medical intervention unless other symptoms are present.";
} else {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#e1f5fe";
resultDiv.style.border = "1px solid #81d4fa";
resultTitle.style.color = "#0277bd";
resultTitle.innerHTML = "Pattern Noted";
resultText.innerHTML = "Your contractions are currently " + frequency + " minutes apart. Keep timing them to see if the frequency increases (numbers get smaller) or if the duration increases.";
}
}