Labor timer - track your contractions so you know when labor starts

A labor timer helps you measure how long your contractions last and how frequent they are. As labor approaches, many people wonder how to count contractions - and when it's actually time to go into labor.

Med Baby Journeys thermal timer you can easily record each contraction, follow the intervals and see how the contractions change. This gives you a clear overview and makes it easier to recognize patterns and determine if labor might be about to start. When it's time to go into labor, you'll be notified! 

How does a heat timer work?

Our heat timer is designed to be as easy as possible to use - even when you're focused on other things.

How to use our heat timer:

1. Press “Start” when a pain starts.
2. Press “Stop” when the pain stops.
3. Repeat every time you get a new ache.

You will have a clear overview of all your contractions, making it easier to see if they are getting more frequent, longer or more intense.

How does an ache feel?

Many people describe an ache as a wave that comes and goes. The peak of the pain often lasts for about a minute.

The pain may feel like a severe menstrual pain in your stomach or back. It can also be felt in the groin and sometimes radiate down the legs.

Pre- or post-natal pain?

It can be difficult to know if your body is just “practicing” with contractions or if you are actually in labor. Here are some differences that may help you.

Pre-eclampsia (sometimes called irregular contractions) is common in late pregnancy, especially in the last weeks before the expected birth. Pre-term contractions are similar to regular contractions, but often feel slightly stronger and come irregularly. Learn more about precancer here. 

Typical signs of exacerbations:

• They often calm down if you rest or change position
• They do not get stronger or longer over time
• They may come regularly for a while and then disappear completely
• They feel unpleasant, but are usually manageable

Pre-eclampsia is the body's way of training for childbirth. They can sometimes be intense, but usually do not cause the cervix to open in the same way as true labor pains. We also recommend our article on the phases of childbirth, if you want to learn even more about how childbirth develops.

Labor pains are the body's clear signal that labor has started. They are stronger, more regular and have a clear purpose: to open the cervix and help the baby down.

Signs of labor pain:

• They become progressively stronger
• They come more regularly
• They do not subside when you rest
• They increase in frequency, duration and intensity

As your contractions get stronger, you may need to focus more on your breathing. Breathing calmly and gently can help your body relax and make the pain easier to manage.

If you notice that your contractions follow a clear pattern and continue to increase, it may be time to start preparing to go into labor.

With the labor timer in the app, you can easily track your contractions, see the pattern and feel more prepared when labor starts.

You're doing a great job - we're rooting for you all the way! ❤️

When should I contact the maternity unit?

Many people wonder: “When is it time to call the birth center?” BabyJourney's labor timer helps you follow the pattern of labor and can help you decide when it's time to check in.

In general, you should contact the birth center or your midwife when:

1. The pain lasts for about a minute and clearly feel powerful or painful.
2. You have 3-4 contractions in 10 minutes.
3. The pain feels unmanageable, or if you had a very long latent phase.

💡 Tips: Labor pains usually get stronger and more regular over time - unlike contractions, which often subside with rest.

Download Baby Journey app here and discover our warming timer and other helpful features on your journey to childbirth! 💜