Contraction Timer

Tips to use the contraction timer:

Begin by clicking the “Start” button as and when you get a feel a tightening sensation. You may feel the sensation from inside or with the help of your palm on your belly area. This can be called the beginning of one contraction.

Now click on the “Stop” button when you feel the relaxation of your uterus.

You will be required to repeat the same as and when the contractions proceed. It will help you monitor the interval of the contraction.

You may require approximately six to eight readings to find the pattern of your contractions that may include time period (duration of contraction) and frequency (how far apart you are getting the contractions).

What is a contraction during labour?

Labour contractions can be defined as occasional tightening and relaxation of your uterine muscles that may get strengthened by the oxytocin hormone released by your pituitary gland. Labour contractions can start in the form of cramps in your back area and proceed along the stomach in a wave like pattern. The stomach often tends to become quite hard. The contractions strengthen and thicken the upper area of the uterus also known as fundus during stretching and relaxing the lower portion and cervix. Such contractions can assist the baby pass through the birth canal.

It may become difficult at times to differentiate between true labour contractions and false contractions, popularly known as Braxton Hicks contractions, which take place in the weeks nearing delivery. False contractions may take place at a regular interval and vary in intensity. A few moms-to-be may feel they are going into labour as a result of these contractions.

The most distinguishing factor is progression. True contractions may get stronger and longer unlike false contractions.

Barring a few contractions that take place ahead of the water breaking, you can be certain that you are getting labour contractions. And, you can also calculate them easily with the help of a calculator, instead of a clock or watch to track how far you have proceeded into your labour.

How are contractions timed?

You may begin by timing a few contractions in the beginning. After that it is ideal to begin counting from the start of one contraction to the beginning of next. You can find out you are in true labour if your contractions:

• Take place at a regular interval
• With the passage of time they get strengthened
• Last for a long period of time
• Become more regular
• Continue despite changing the body positionThe figure has been based on a formula of 4-1-2 rule which means
• Contractions are taking place four minutes apart
• Every contraction lasts for at least one minute duration
• When your active labour begins, you will no longer sustain a conversation or relax properly and may go into labour.
• Here is when your active labor starts where you can no longer hold a conversation or relax completely, and can go into labor.

What are preterm labour contractions?

When you start to have regular contractions which may result in cervical changes before the 37th week of pregnancy, they are termed as preterm contractions. The changes in your cervix may include both the dilation and effacement that push you into preterm labour.