Life is simple with a smartphone. Just download a couple of contraction timers and see which one you like best.
But, for real, contractions are timed from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction. The distance from the beginning of the first contraction to the beginning of the second contraction is how far apart the contractions are, or the frequency. Time a few contractions to check for regularity. Duration is how long the contraction lasts from when the contraction begins to the time it finishes. Time the duration in seconds.
Timing Contractions
Contraction Duration
Time in seconds from the beginning of the contraction to the end. (10:30 – 10:31: = 60 seconds)
Contraction Frequency
Time in minutes from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. (10:30 – 10:35 = 5 minutes)
Start Time
End Time
Duration
Frequency
10:30
10:31
60 secs
10:35
10:36.30
90
5 mins
Contraction Intensity
When timing your contractions, take note of the intensity or the strength of your contractions. They are often measured in mild, moderate, or strong. When using an app, most of them have notes, a toggle, or emoticons that you can use to record a contraction’s strength.
TIP: Refrain from timing every contraction. When contractions first start, time and record four or five contractions in a row; then, stop for a while (a few minutes to a few hours). Time them again when you believe they have changed in duration or frequency.
If Your Water Breaks
Always take note of the time your water breaks. Many contraction apps have this feature. Call your provider if you suspect that your bag of waters has broken.
Contraction Apps You May Like
The plus about choosing a contraction app is that the math is done for you. Either partner or mom can keep track of the contractions easily and, if the option is available, the results can be sent to your provider.
For Your I-Phone
Full-Term Contraction Timer: Full-Term’s main page lets you see the current entry and gives you the last hour and six-hour averages. To find your contraction frequency and duration pattern, you just need to click the upper right menu. You can also add notes and add the time that your bag of water breaks. This is a nice contraction app if you also want to track kick-counts and your weight gain. Plus, you can mail your contraction history to your provider.
Contraction Timer: This simple app is really straightforward to manage. Click start, and when your contraction is over, click anywhere on the screen to stop. Scroll down to see your contraction pattern, and click the menu at the top left to find your averages and a graph. I like the options to rate the intensity of the contraction and to add notes. You cannot mail the history to your provider.
For Your Android
Easy Contraction Timer: This has an easy start/stop function and allows you to add the contraction’s intensity using emoticons. It provides a summary, graph, and pie cart of your contractions that is easy to read, and you can mail your contraction history to your provider.
How Do I Know If I am Having Contractions?
That is the million-dollar question. Some women know right away when their labor starts. Others will be less sure. You may ask yourself if that was a cramp you felt or from the pasta you ate last night.
Generally, contractions radiate from the back to the front of the abdomen and are described as waves. The contraction will rise slowly, peak, and then slowly decrease in intensity. When this occurs regularly, you may be in labor.
If you are unsure if you are in labor, a good test is to change your activity. During the day, you could take a walk, roll around on the birth ball, and then rest a little while. During the night, you could shower or bathe, drink some tea, and go back to bed. Your contractions will either keep coming or space out and become more irregular with a change in activity.
When Should I Call the Provider?
Your provider will give you information on when to call. Each one has their own unique way of getting in touch!
