Labor & Contraction Guides
Short, plain-language guides to timing labor — each written to align with guidance from ACOG, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and the NHS, with sources listed.
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General information, not medical advice. These guides don't replace care from your doctor or midwife. If your water breaks, you have bleeding, your baby is moving less, or you have any concern, contact your provider right away.
Start here
How to Time Contractions
Duration vs. frequency, why you measure start-to-start, and how many contractions to time.
The 5-1-1 Rule Explained
What 5-1-1 means, how to check it, why some providers use 4-1-1, and where the rule stops.
When to Go to the Hospital in Labor
The timing guide, the warning signs that mean go now, and what changes the timing for you.
More topics
Braxton Hicks vs. Real Labor
A side-by-side comparison and the simple rest-and-hydration test to tell them apart.
Contraction Timing Chart
Typical contraction frequency and duration through early, active, and transition labor.
Hospital Bag Checklist
What to pack for labor, for after, and for your baby — plus when to have the bag ready.
Have a quick question? See the contraction timing FAQ.