Contraction Pattern Calculator
Assess your labor progression stage by entering contraction duration, frequency, pain intensity, and how long contractions have been occurring. Use it to decide whether to stay home, head to the hospital, or call your midwife.
About this calculator
The calculator classifies contractions into four stages — active labor, early active, early labor, or false/prodromal labor — using the 5-1-1 rule and its clinical extensions: contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour signal it is time to go to the hospital. Active labor is flagged when contractions come every ≤ 3 minutes, last ≥ 60 seconds, and pain intensity ≥ 8 out of 10. Early active labor applies when frequency ≤ 5 minutes, duration ≥ 45 seconds, and pain ≥ 6. Early labor is assigned when frequency ≤ 10 minutes and contractions have lasted ≥ 1 hour. Each stage maps to an urgency score: active = 100, early active = 75, early = 40, false/prodromal = 20. This urgency score guides decision-making but does not replace clinical assessment by a healthcare provider.
How to use
Suppose contractions last 50 seconds on average, occur every 4 minutes, pain is rated 7 out of 10, and have been ongoing for 2 hours. Check active labor: frequency (4) > 3 — fails. Check early active: frequency (4) ≤ 5 ✓, duration (50 s) ≥ 45 s ✓, pain (7) ≥ 6 ✓ — stage = early_active. Urgency score = 75. This suggests you are in early active labor and should contact your hospital or midwife promptly, as full active labor may be imminent. Keep timing contractions and prepare your hospital bag.
Frequently asked questions
When should you go to the hospital during labor contractions?
The widely used 5-1-1 rule recommends heading to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart, last at least 1 minute each, and have followed that pattern for 1 hour. For first-time mothers, providers often advise waiting until contractions are 4–5 minutes apart; for subsequent births, labour can progress faster and you should go earlier. Pain intensity and how you feel between contractions also matter — if contractions are so intense you cannot speak through them, it is time to go regardless of timing. Always follow your care provider's personalised instructions.
What is the difference between early labor and active labor contractions?
Early labor contractions typically occur every 5–10 minutes, last 30–45 seconds, and are uncomfortable but manageable. They signal that the cervix is dilating from 0 to about 6 cm. Active labor begins around 6 cm dilation; contractions become stronger, longer (60–90 seconds), and closer together (3–5 minutes apart), leaving little time to rest between them. This calculator uses contraction frequency, duration, pain score, and total duration to distinguish the two stages and estimate urgency.
How do you accurately time contractions at home?
To time contractions, note the start time of one contraction and the start time of the next — that interval is the frequency. Also record how long each contraction lasts from start to finish — that is the duration. Most hospitals recommend timing at least 3–4 consecutive contractions before drawing conclusions, as spacing can vary. Several free smartphone apps can automate this tracking. Bring your contraction log to the hospital so your care team can see the pattern over time.