The 5-1-1 rule
A common guideline for first-time mothers to head to the hospital: contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute each, for 1 hour. For second and later babies the threshold is often 4-1-1 or even 3-1-1. Always follow your provider’s instructions over a generic rule.
- Early labour: contractions 15–30 min apart, lasting 30–45 s.
- Active labour: 3–5 min apart, 45–60 s each, intensifying.
- Transition: 1–2 min apart, 60–90 s each.
Not medical advice. If contractions are intense, regular, or your water has broken, call your provider.