What it does
Contraction Timer is a focused utility designed for expectant mothers to track labor contractions. The core function allows users to time the duration of each contraction and the frequency between them with a simple tap. The app logs this history and provides summary statistics to help users determine which stage of labor they are in and when it might be time to go to the hospital.
Where it shines
The app's strength lies in its simplicity and clarity, which is crucial for its intended use case. The main screen (00:35) features a large, unambiguous button to start and stop the timer, minimizing cognitive load. As contractions are logged, a clear history with duration and frequency is automatically built (00:46), presenting the vital information at a glance. The standout feature appears at 01:31, where the app proactively offers a recommendation, interpreting the data to tell the user if their current contraction pattern corresponds to the active labor phase. This transforms the app from a passive tool into an active guide.
UX highlights
- Single-Tap Interface: The primary action of timing a contraction is controlled by a single, large button that changes color and text to clearly indicate its state (e.g., green for 'started', pink for 'stopped').
- Live-Updating Log: The home screen displays a running log of contractions, which updates in real-time. This provides immediate feedback and a sense of progression.
- Clear Data Visualization: The connection between logged contractions visually represents the frequency, making the pattern easy to understand without deep analysis.
- Automated Summaries: A persistent header shows key statistics for the 'Past Hour', including the number of contractions and average duration/frequency, offering a quick summary.
- Contextual Guidance: The app uses the tracked data to provide actionable advice (01:31), helping to reduce user anxiety and uncertainty.
- Minimalist Design: The interface is clean, with a soft color palette and ample white space, creating a calm and focused user experience.
Monetization & growth
The app's monetization strategy is introduced immediately during onboarding. A paywall (00:07) appears after the welcome screen, offering a one-time purchase to unlock the full, ad-free version. If the user declines, they are shown a screen (00:20) that frames ads as a necessity for the free app, further encouraging an upgrade. Throughout the free experience, interstitial video ads are shown (01:43). Growth is encouraged through a standard in-app rating prompt (01:13) that appears after the user has successfully used the app a few times.
Who it’s for
This app is specifically for pregnant women who are approaching or are in the early stages of labor. Its primary use case is to provide a simple, reliable way to track contractions to share with a doctor or midwife, and to help decide on the right time to leave for the hospital. The straightforward design also makes it suitable for partners or support persons assisting in the process.
Notes & opportunities
The onboarding flow could be improved by adding custom 'warm-up' screens before requesting system permissions for tracking (00:24) and notifications (00:26). Presenting these prompts without context can be jarring and may lead to lower opt-in rates. While tapping a logged contraction to edit it is functional, the discoverability of this feature could be enhanced, perhaps through a long-press gesture or a more obvious 'edit' icon.