5-1-1 Rule Algorithm & Labor Stage Detection
Sophisticated labor monitoring with the 5-1-1 rule, automatic stage classification from Braxton Hicks to Transition, Apple Watch sync, Live Activities, and hospital alert triggering.
Labor Stage Classification
Automatic detection from Braxton Hicks through Transition
| Stage | Interval | Duration | Intensity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braxton Hicks | Irregular | Varies | Mild | Rest, hydrate |
| Early Labor | 10-20 min | 30-45 sec | Mild-Moderate | Stay home, time contractions |
| Active Labor | 3-5 min | 45-75 sec | Moderate-Strong | Go to hospital (5-1-1 met) |
| Transition | 2-3 min | 60-90 sec | Very Strong | Go to hospital immediately |
The 5-1-1 Rule
Clinical guideline for when to go to the hospital
5 Minutes Apart
Contractions occur consistently every 5 minutes, measured from the start of one to the start of the next.
1 Minute Duration
Each contraction lasts at least 60 seconds. The algorithm checks all recent contractions meet this threshold.
1 Hour Consistency
The 5-minute/1-minute pattern has persisted for at least 60 minutes. This prevents false alerts from brief patterns.
Intensity Classification
4-level system with color-coded pain scale
| Level | Description | Pain Scale | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | Noticeable but comfortable, can talk through it | 1-3 | Green |
| Moderate | Uncomfortable, need to focus, breathing helps | 4-6 | Yellow |
| Strong | Painful, difficult to talk, need to concentrate | 7-8 | Orange |
| Very Strong | Intense pain, cannot talk, vocalizing | 9-10 | Red |
Platform Integration
Apple Watch, Live Activities, and data export
Apple Watch Sync
Start and end contractions from your wrist via WatchConnectivity. Real-time bidirectional sync between iPhone and Apple Watch.
Live Activity
Dynamic Island shows active contraction timer with duration and intensity. Lock Screen widget displays ongoing contraction status.
Session Summary Sharing
Share a formatted text summary of your contraction history — start time, duration, and intensity — with your healthcare provider via the share sheet.
Hospital Alert Triggers
Automatic notifications when criteria are met
5-1-1 Rule Met
Automatic alert when contractions are 5 min apart, 1 min duration, for 1 hour.
Transition Detected
Contractions 2-3 min apart with 60+ sec duration and very strong intensity always trigger an alert.
Water Broke
User-reported water breaking triggers immediate hospital alert regardless of contraction pattern.
Alert Actions
Call hospital, call partner, start navigation to hospital, or dismiss with confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the contraction timer
The 5-1-1 rule is a clinical guideline: go to the hospital when contractions are 5 minutes apart, each lasting 1 minute, for at least 1 hour. Some providers recommend 4-1-1 or 3-1-1 depending on distance to hospital.
The algorithm analyzes the last 10 contractions for mean interval, duration, coefficient of variation, and intensity trend. It classifies the pattern as Braxton Hicks (irregular, CV >40%), Early Labor (10-20 min), Active Labor (3-5 min), or Transition (2-3 min).
Yes. Start and end contractions from your wrist using the Apple Watch app. WatchConnectivity syncs data bidirectionally in real-time between iPhone and Watch.
The alert triggers when: (1) 5-1-1 rule criteria are met, (2) Transition stage is detected, (3) you report water breaking, or (4) you report bleeding. The alert includes quick actions to call hospital, partner, or start navigation.
Yes. Share a formatted text summary of your contraction history — start time, duration, and intensity — via email, AirDrop, or messaging apps.
No. ProbaBaby's contraction timer is a tracking tool, not a medical device. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance about when to go to the hospital. The 5-1-1 rule is general guidance — your situation may differ.
Time Contractions with Confidence
Download ProbaBaby for the smartest contraction timer with 5-1-1 rule detection, Apple Watch sync, and automatic hospital alerts.
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