What is the 5-1-1 rule for contractions?
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The 5-1-1 rule means contractions that come about 5 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. Many midwives and doctors use it as the point to call them or head in with a first baby. Your provider may give you a different rule, and their advice always comes first.
The three numbers
- 5: contractions are about 5 minutes apart, measured from the start of one to the start of the next.
- 1: each contraction lasts about 1 minute.
- 1: the pattern has kept going for at least 1 hour.
The hour matters. A few close contractions followed by a long gap is not the same as an hour of steady ones.
5-1-1 vs 4-1-1 vs 3-1-1
- 4-1-1: about 4 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, for at least 1 hour.
- 3-1-1: about 3 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, for at least 1 hour.
Labor with a second or later baby can move faster, so you may be asked to call sooner. If you live far from the hospital, or had a quick labor before, ask your provider when to set off. Some maternity units describe it differently, for example as a number of contractions in 10 minutes. Whatever words they use, the advice they gave you is the one to follow.
How Popzy uses your rule
When you set up Popzy, you pick the rule your provider gave you: 5-1-1, 4-1-1, 3-1-1 or your own timing. If they haven't said yet, Popzy starts with 5-1-1. You can change it anytime in Settings.
The rule card on the timer shows how much of the hour you have held the pattern, for example "3 of 60 min", and your recent average ("Lately every 4m 50s, 58s long"). When your contractions have matched the rule for an hour, Popzy lets you know, so you can call your provider or midwife.
Popzy only looks at timing. It cannot tell how labor is progressing.
Related questions
Do I have to wait for 5-1-1 before calling?
No. Call your provider or maternity unit straight away if your waters break, you notice bleeding, your baby moves less, the pain is constant or severe, or it is before 37 weeks. You never need a pattern to call.
Is 5-1-1 the same for everyone?
No. It is a common rule for a first baby, but providers may use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1, or give personal advice because of your health, your pregnancy or how far you live from the hospital.
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.