About timing contractions
What is being measured
Two things matter when timing contractions, and they are easy to confuse. Duration is how long a single contraction lasts, from the moment it begins to tighten to the moment it fully eases. Frequency is the gap from the start of one contraction to the start of the next — not from the end of one to the beginning of the next.
Hamila records both from a single tap at the start and end of each contraction, so you are not doing arithmetic between surges.
Early labour and established labour
Early contractions are often irregular, shorter and further apart, and they may stop and restart over a day or more. That is normal and can go on for some time, particularly with a first baby.
Established labour usually shows a clear pattern: contractions that come regularly, last longer, and grow closer together, and that you can no longer talk through comfortably. Your maternity unit will have told you when they want you to call — that guidance is specific to you and takes priority over any general rule.
Braxton Hicks
Practice tightenings are common from the second trimester. They tend to be irregular, do not get closer together, often ease if you change position or drink water, and are usually uncomfortable rather than painful. A timed record makes the difference easier to see, because a pattern that is not building will show up as one.
Call your maternity unit if your waters break, if you have any bleeding, if your baby’s movements change, if you have severe or constant pain, or if you are simply unsure — whatever the timer says. Hamila records what you enter and does not interpret it. It is not a medical device and does not replace your midwife, doctor or maternity unit. If you are worried about your baby or your own health at any point, contact your maternity team straight away — day or night, and however many times you need to.