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Printable Contraction Tracking Sheets

Physical backup sheets for tracking contractions when digital tools aren't available. Perfect for power outages, phone issues, or when you prefer pen and paper.

Why Have a Physical Backup?

  • • Phone battery might die during long labor
  • • Hospital WiFi or cell service issues
  • • Some people prefer pen and paper during intense situations
  • • Healthcare providers can quickly review handwritten logs
  • • Multiple people can help track simultaneously
  • • Physical backup ensures you never lose your data

Basic Contraction Tracking Sheet

Simple table format for tracking contraction start time, duration, and frequency. Perfect for early labor.

CONTRACTION TRACKING LOG

Date: __________ Started tracking at: __________

#Start TimeEnd TimeDurationTime Since LastIntensity (1-10)Notes
1___________________________________________________
2___________________________________________________
3___________________________________________________
4___________________________________________________
5___________________________________________________
6___________________________________________________
7___________________________________________________
8___________________________________________________

📞 Call healthcare provider when: 5 minutes apart • 1 minute long • 1 hour consistently

Detailed Contraction Log

Comprehensive tracking sheet with space for additional symptoms, positions, and pain management techniques.

DETAILED LABOR LOG

Date: __________ Name: __________________

Started tracking: _______ Provider contacted: _______

Other Symptoms (check all that apply)

Pain Management Used

#Start TimeDurationFrequencyIntensityPositionNotes
1_________________________________________
2_________________________________________
3_________________________________________
4_________________________________________
5_________________________________________
6_________________________________________
7_________________________________________
8_________________________________________
9_________________________________________
10_________________________________________

Quick Reference & Calculation Guide

Handy reference sheet with timing calculations and the 5-1-1 rule. Keep this visible while tracking.

🕐 TIMING GUIDE

How to Calculate Frequency

Time from the START of one contraction to the START of the next contraction.

Example: Contraction at 2:00 PM, next at 2:05 PM = 5 minutes apart

How to Calculate Duration

Time from when contraction starts to when it completely ends.

Example: Starts 2:00 PM, ends 2:01:30 PM = 90 seconds long

📞 5-1-1 RULE

Call Healthcare Provider When:

5
Minutes Apart
1
Minute Long
1
Hour Pattern

Quick Calculation

If you have 12+ contractions in an hour that are 1+ minutes long, call your provider.

Emergency Signs - Call 911

  • • Severe bleeding
  • • Green/brown amniotic fluid
  • • Cord prolapse
  • • Severe headache + vision changes
  • • Baby stops moving
  • • Feel urge to push

Hourly Summary Tracking Sheet

Track contraction patterns by hour to identify progression and communicate clearly with healthcare providers.

HOURLY CONTRACTION SUMMARY

Date: __________ Name: __________________

Time Period# of ContractionsAverage DurationAverage FrequencyIntensity RangePattern Notes
12:00 AM - 1:00 AM__________________________________________
1:00 AM - 2:00 AM__________________________________________
2:00 AM - 3:00 AM__________________________________________
3:00 AM - 4:00 AM__________________________________________
4:00 AM - 5:00 AM__________________________________________
5:00 AM - 6:00 AM__________________________________________

Provider Communication

Called provider at: _______ Advice given: _________________________________

Partner's Support Tracking Sheet

Special sheet designed for birth partners to track contractions and support techniques. Includes comfort measures and encouragement prompts.

PARTNER SUPPORT LOG

Labor Partner: __________ Date: __________

Comfort Measures Tried

Mom's Preferences

Most helpful: ____________________

Least helpful: ____________________

Wants during contractions: __________

Wants between contractions: ________

TimeDurationFrequencyMom's MoodSupport GivenNotes
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

Printing and Usage Instructions

Printing Tips

  • Print on standard 8.5" x 11" paper
  • Use black ink for best readability
  • Print multiple copies (home, car, hospital bag)
  • Laminate reference sheets for durability
  • Attach pen or pencil to clipboard

Usage Tips

  • Start with the basic sheet for early labor
  • Switch to detailed sheet if labor progresses
  • Let your partner help with tracking
  • Keep reference sheet visible at all times
  • Bring completed sheets to the hospital

Digital vs. Physical Tracking

Benefits of Digital (Recommended)

  • • Automatic calculations and timing
  • • Visual charts and pattern recognition
  • • No math required during contractions
  • • Easy to share data with providers
  • • Built-in 5-1-1 rule alerts
  • • Can't lose or forget data

When to Use Physical Sheets

  • • Phone battery dies
  • • No internet/cell service
  • • Prefer pen and paper
  • • Multiple people helping track
  • • Backup for peace of mind
  • • Healthcare provider prefers paper logs

Best Practices for Contraction Tracking

  • • Start tracking when contractions become regular
  • • Use a watch or clock with a second hand
  • • Track for at least one hour before calling provider
  • • Note any changes in pattern or intensity
  • • Don't obsess over perfect timing
  • • Focus on overall patterns, not individual contractions
  • • Include other symptoms and comfort measures
  • • Bring your tracking log to the hospital

Print these sheets before 36 weeks and keep them easily accessible

Related Resources

How to Use the Digital Timer

Learn how to use our digital contraction timer effectively.

Understanding Different Types of Contractions

Learn to distinguish between different types of contractions.