How do you time contractions?
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To time contractions, note two things: how long each contraction lasts, from the moment it starts to build until it fades away, and how far apart they are, measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. In Popzy you tap once when a contraction begins and once when it ends, and the app works out both for you.
How long a contraction lasts (duration)
The duration runs from the moment you feel a contraction start to build until it has faded away. Early contractions are often shorter. As labor goes on, they usually get longer, often around a minute.
In Popzy, tap the big button when you feel it begin and tap again when it has eased off. Popzy shows the length on the timeline, for example "56s".
How far apart they are (frequency)
The frequency, or interval, is measured from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. It includes the contraction itself and the rest that follows. If one starts at 10:00 and the next starts at 10:05, they are 5 minutes apart.
Measuring from the end of one contraction to the start of the next makes them seem further apart than they are. Popzy always measures start to start.
Step by step with Popzy
- Open Popzy and tap the button when a contraction starts.
- Breathe through it. The screen shows a live count.
- Tap again when it ends. If you like, tap once more to rate how strong it felt.
- Between contractions, the timeline shows the gap since the last one and how long each has lasted.
- The rule card compares the last hour with the rule you chose, such as 5-1-1, and lets you know when they match.
Missed one? Skip it, or add or fix it later in History. In early labor there is no need to time every contraction.
How many contractions to time
In early labor, time a few in a row every so often to see whether a pattern is forming, then put the phone down and rest. Watching the clock all the time can make the hours feel longer. Popzy keeps your history, so you can pick up where you left off.
Once contractions feel regular and stronger, timing each one for an hour gives you and your provider a clearer picture.
Related questions
Do you time contractions from the start or the end?
Time the gap from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. The duration is from the start of a contraction to its end.
Can my partner time contractions for me?
Yes. Your partner can hold the phone and tap start and end, so you can focus on breathing. Popzy works the same whoever taps.
Get Popzy on iPhone and Android
Popzy is not a medical device. It times contractions and does not replace advice from your midwife, doctor or maternity unit. If you are unsure, or if your waters break, you notice bleeding, your baby moves less or anything feels wrong, call them.