How do I time contractions?

Frequency (interval) runs from the start of one contraction to the start of the next; length runs from its start to its end. In Nestwave you tap once at the start and once at the end, and both are calculated for you.

What is the 5-1-1 rule?

Contractions about 5 minutes apart, each lasting about 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. Some hospitals and midwives use 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 instead, so Nestwave lets you choose. Always follow your own care team's instructions on when to come in.

Does the app tell me when to go to the hospital?

No. Nestwave is not a medical device and does not diagnose or predict labor. When your pattern gets close to the rule you picked, it shows a small card suggesting you contact your hospital or midwife. If you are worried, call them right away, whatever the numbers say.

Can it tell Braxton Hicks from real contractions?

No. It shows whether contractions are getting closer and longer, but only your care team can tell. Bleeding, your water breaking or fewer baby movements mean you should call right away.

Will ads or pop-ups interrupt me while timing?

No full-screen ads, review requests or verdict screens appear while a contraction session is running.

Can I add a contraction I forgot to time?

Yes. Add past contractions or edit date, time and seconds, and every interval is recalculated on save.

Can I send my log to my doula or midwife?

Yes. Share a text summary — count in the last hour, average interval and length, and the log — by any messenger or text.

Is there a dark mode?

Yes. Light, dark or follow system, with large numbers you can read in a dark room.

← Nestwave home

Braxton Hicks vs. real contractions: how they differ

Braxton Hicks contractions are practice tightenings of the uterus during pregnancy. They are usually irregular, don't get stronger over time, and often ease when you rest, drink water or change position. Labor contractions tend to come at more regular intervals that get closer together, last longer and grow stronger. Telling them apart on your own is hard, so the final call comes from an exam by your doctor or midwife.

Commonly described differences

	Braxton Hicks	Labor contractions
Timing	Irregular, not getting closer	More regular, getting closer
Length	Varies	Getting longer (often 30–70 s)
Strength	Mild or unchanged	Getting stronger
Rest or moving	Often ease off	Keep going
Where you feel it	Front of the belly	May start in the back and wrap around

Why a log helps

One or two contractions tell you little. Timing starts and ends for about an hour shows whether they are getting closer and longer, and gives your care team clear numbers. Note whether the pattern continues after resting, drinking water or changing position.

Not sure? Call

Don't wait at home because it 'might be practice contractions'. If you are unsure or worried, phone your hospital or midwife. Bleeding, leaking fluid, fewer baby movements, or regular contractions before 37 weeks are commonly listed as reasons to call right away.

In Nestwave

Nestwave does not label contractions as Braxton Hicks or labor. It shows average frequency, length and last-hour count, and lets you send a text summary straight to your care team or partner.

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.

Your care team decides. Nestwave keeps the log

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