Time your contractions

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Contractions ≤5 minutes apart and ≥1 minute long, sustained for at least 1 hour, is the ACOG cue to head to the hospital.

Based on the ACOG 5-1-1 general guidance. Your OB-GYN decides when to go to the hospital. Learn more
For reference only. Call your provider immediately for bleeding, water breaking, or decreased fetal movement.

How is it measured?

The common signal for active labor is ACOG's "5-1-1 rule":

  • Contractions 5 minutes apart (start to start)
  • Each one lasts 1 minute
  • Pattern holds for 1 hour

For first-time labor, head to the hospital when 5-1-1 is reached. For subsequent labors (2nd+), leave earlier (e.g. 7-1-1 or 10-1-1). This timer automatically checks whether the ACOG 5-1-1 rule has been met.

Limitations

Contraction timing is self-monitoring only — keep these limits in mind:

  • False labor (Braxton Hicks) is irregular and eases with a change of position or hydration.
  • Subsequent labors progress faster, so leaving before 5-1-1 is safer.
  • Long travel time or first labor — leave a bit earlier than 5-1-1.
  • If your water breaks, you have bleeding, or fetal movement drops, go to the hospital immediately regardless of contraction pattern.
  • Always defer to your OB-GYN's instructions.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 5-1-1 and 4-1-1?

5-1-1 is the general ACOG recommendation for first labors. 4-1-1 is a more aggressive trigger — some practices use it for subsequent labors or when the hospital is far away.

If your OB-GYN gave you a specific rule (e.g. 4-1-1 or 6-1-1), follow that instead.

When should I go to the hospital regardless of contractions?

Regardless of contraction pattern, contact your OB-GYN or labour ward immediately if any of these:

  • Water breaks (clear gush of fluid)
  • Bright red bleeding
  • Fetal movement significantly decreases or stops
  • Severe headache, vision changes, upper abdominal pain (pre-eclampsia signs)
  • Regular contractions before 38 weeks