The 5-1-1 rule explained (and 4-1-1, 3-1-1)
The 5-1-1 rule describes contractions that come about 5 minutes apart, last about 1 minute each, and keep that pattern for at least 1 hour. Many hospitals and midwives use it as the point to call, but some give an earlier rule such as 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 depending on whether it is your first baby, how far you live from the hospital, and your health. Your doctor or midwife decides which rule applies to you.
What the three numbers mean
| Rule | Frequency (start to start) | Length | For how long |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-1-1 | ~5 min | ~1 min | 1 hour or more |
| 4-1-1 | ~4 min | ~1 min | 1 hour or more |
| 3-1-1 | ~3 min | ~1 min | 1 hour or more |
Why the rules differ
Labor moves at different speeds for different people, and often faster after a previous birth. A care team may ask you to come in earlier if you live far away, or to wait until 3-1-1. The rule your own doctor or midwife gave you beats any general rule online.
When to call regardless of the rule
Bleeding, your water breaking or leaking, a clear drop in baby movements, severe pain that doesn't ease between contractions, or regular contractions before 37 weeks are commonly listed as reasons to call right away, whatever the timing. Ask your care team for their list ahead of time.
In Nestwave
Choose 5-1-1 (default), 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 in settings. When your recent contractions get close to that rule, a small dismissible card suggests contacting your hospital or midwife — it never takes over the screen. The app does not diagnose or predict labor.
Important
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or midwife about when to come in and whether what you feel is normal. If you have bleeding, leaking fluid, fewer baby movements, severe pain, or you are simply worried, contact your hospital or midwife right away, whatever the numbers say.
Track your pattern against your care team's rule
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