Contractions started at 5am I started timing at 6:30 and they were on average 1 minute 30 seconds long and 6 minutes apart. But after 6 consecutive contractions I got really nauseous and developed a headache. Is it okay to keep waiting for a little or should I just go to the hospital now?
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Timing Contractions: Your Labor Clock
Timing Contractions: Your Labor Clock
As you approach your due date, understanding how to time contractions is a vital skill that can help you determine when it's time to go to the hospital or birthing center.
Let's explore how you can effectively monitor your labor's progress.
Key Facts
Timing contractions helps you distinguish between true labor and false labor (Braxton Hicks).
It involves measuring the duration of each contraction and the frequency with which they occur.
What, Why, How?
- What: A contraction is a tightening of the uterus that feels like a wave starting from the top and moving down. Timing them involves recording when each contraction starts and ends, and how long it's been since the last one.
- Why: Understanding the pattern of your contractions helps you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about when it's time to go to the hospital.
- How: Use a stopwatch or contraction timing app to record the start (when the tightening begins) and end (when the relaxation occurs) of each contraction. Note the frequency (time from the start of one contraction to the start of the next) and duration (how long each contraction lasts).
Monitoring the Situation
True labor contractions will become longer, stronger, and closer together over time.
They usually last at least 30 seconds at the beginning and grow to last 60 to 70 seconds in active labor. They won't ease up with movement or hydration and typically become more intense over time.
What to Do Next
If you're timing your contractions and they are:
- Regular and Increasing: If they last about 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes for at least an hour, it might be time to contact your healthcare provider.
- Irregular and Unchanging: If they are sporadic and do not get longer, stronger, or closer together, you might be experiencing false labor.
Q&As
- How do I know if it's true labor or just Braxton Hicks contractions?
- When should I start timing contractions?
- What's the 5-1-1 rule?
- Can contractions be timed too early?
- Do I need any special tools to time contractions?
Dear moms-to-be, understanding and timing your contractions is a crucial part of preparing for labor.
By keeping track of their frequency and intensity, you'll be better positioned to know when it's time to meet your baby.
Remember, every labor is unique, so stay in tune with your body and consult with your healthcare team about any concerns. You're almost there!
Dig Deeper
Nausea as a Sign of Labor
2 min read
Back Pain: Is It Labor?
2 min read
Mood Changes Before Labor
3 min read
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Zanterria Matthews
4 Sep 2023
Anyone had their babies at 34 weeks??? I'm timing my contractions they 2-3 minutes apart and back pains that's the only symptoms I'm having
Felecia
I would go to labor and delivery and get checked out
27 Mar 2024
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Zanterria Matthews
yes I'm taking a shower that don't work I'm definitely going I'm scared
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CC
18 Jun 2023
I’ve been having contractions for the past 3.5 hours . They’re 5-10 mins almost 2 mins long. I’ve been timing them but afraid for it to be false labor pains . I would hate to take a hospital drive now and them send me home 😩 what should I dooooo 😰
Erica Bryant
Go get checked out
27 Mar 2024
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CC
You’re right . I am getting ready to go . It’s storming like CRAZY so I’ve been hesitant to get behind the wheel but it’s been too long with the contractions , to the point where I can’t even sleep from the pain . So like you said , better safe than sorry . Thanks girlie 🙏🏽
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Linda
26 May 2023
Contractions are about 4-6 min apart and it’s becoming more stronger .. I’m timing them so far just in case it’s for real .. and yes I’ve been drinking water and staying hydrated
Angie
Any updates? 👀
27 Mar 2024
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𝓣𝓲𝓯𝓯𝓪𝓷𝓨 💞
Sounds like you may be in real labor!
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Jackelyn
15 Feb 2023
Been having contractions on and off for 1 hour now, been timing them but they aren’t strong enough or close to eachother…
Marie
How does it feel? I’ve only gotten like period cramps
27 Mar 2024
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Erionna
Watch closely the both of you
If you getting them often back after back
Possibly your contracting.
If it comes and go away for a lil while
Braxton hix
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Keosha
12 Jan 2023
How many contractions you suppose to have with in hour to be considered real contractions I’m timing them now so far I’ve had 3 start at 6am an it’s now 6:40am waiting see if another comes in before 7
Danielle 🦦🪷
They’d be about 4-5 minutes apart lasting about 1 minute each and going on for about an hour for it to be considered labor
27 Mar 2024
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Keosha
Okay thanks
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Michaela
25 Dec 2022
I will be timing my contractions. If I have more than 6 in an hr and they don't go away with water and rest I have to go back in😭🙏
Yezzy
Hope all is good mama praying for you guys.
27 Mar 2024
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Michaela
thank you! I haven't went in yet. I think the contractions are slowly slowing down.
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Victoria
16 Dec 2022
Been having irregular contractions for over an hour about 12 mins apart. This is my first time timing them! Come on baby girl!
Bry 😘
Me too honey .
27 Mar 2024
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Victoria
Yay! 🤩 have you lost your mucus plug yet? Or know how far dilated or effaced?
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W22🧿💗🤍
7 Dec 2022
My mom thinks I’m in labor and told me to start timing my contractions. I guess we’ll see🤷🏼♀️
Marisela
Fingers crossed
27 Mar 2024
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Ka'Laesha Walker
6 Jun 2022
Has anyone used this app I've been timing my contractions but I'm scared that I'm not doing it right n when I go to the hospital ima half to come back a hr away to my home #gastoohigh #contractions
Ka'Laesha Walker
For the last hour they've been a 9 mins frequency
27 Mar 2024
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Ka'Laesha Walker
And they have veen uncomfortable
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