Contraction Timer - Labor

A new maternity app, developer on iOS 26, to bring a simple timer with clean UI and without ads.

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Inspiration

I’ve always built apps that solve real problems in my own life—or in my wife’s life. Many of my projects start with a personal need, and this time was no different. After doing some research with Astro and exploring App Store keyword opportunities, I realized that “contraction timer” apps had both high demand and space for innovation. That discovery inspired me to create a simple, modern, and accessible app for expecting parents. My goal was not only to make something useful for my family, but also to build a product that could stand among the top sellers in its category.

What it does

As the name suggests, Contraction Timer – Labor helps track labor contractions in a clear and reliable way. Users can start a timer when a contraction begins, stop it when it ends, and log the intensity. Each contraction is saved in a timeline on the home screen, making it easy to review progress over time.

The app also includes smart alerts based on medical guidelines such as the 5-1-1 rule (contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute each, sustained for 1 hour). Depending on the pattern, the app shows different warnings:

  • Keep monitoring if contractions are irregular.
  • A gentle reminder when contractions are consistent but not urgent.
  • And most importantly, an alert when it’s time to head to the hospital.

This helps expecting mothers and their partners feel more confident and informed during labor.

How we built it

The app is built with Swift and SwiftUI, fully adopting modern iOS design patterns. Data persistence and syncing across devices are handled with SwiftData and CloudKit, ensuring that all contraction logs are private, secure, and seamlessly available across iPhone and iPad.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was adapting quickly to iOS 26 APIs and experimenting with new SwiftUI capabilities, especially animations and data handling. Pushing myself to adopt the latest frameworks meant a steep learning curve, but it was worth it for performance and design consistency.

Accomplishments that we’re proud of

I’m especially proud of the clean and minimal UI, designed to be reassuring and easy to use in stressful moments. The timeline view that logs all contractions is a highlight—it still has room to grow, but even in the MVP stage it provides clarity and peace of mind. Translating the app into 16 languages is another accomplishment, making it more inclusive and globally accessible from day one.

What we learned

This project gave me hands-on experience with new iOS 26 APIs, SwiftData integration, and improved CloudKit syncing. I also deepened my understanding of building apps that balance medical reference logic (like contraction rules) with a simple, friendly user experience.

What’s next for Contraction Timer – Labor

Looking forward, my focus is on ASO (App Store Optimization)—monitoring performance and improving visibility across different markets. I plan to refine the timeline and alert system, add more customization options, and continue expanding language support. My long-term goal is to make Contraction Timer the most trusted and accessible labor companion app worldwide.

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